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.

56. ACT IV Chapter NINETEEN

Authors Note: I know, I failed. I said Tuesday…but this took a wee bit longer because I have adulty things to do.

I ALSO just realized, I forgot to address one concern about how I write. There is some back and forth in this story now and again, mostly done though memory. I TRY to make it pretty apparent when I do that. Eventually, I am sure I will smooth things out as I re-read and re-proof over and over again. Lol.

OH, and there are a lot of characters in this story…and I do really try to know where they are in relation to the situation…but if one, here and there, does seem to disappear…just imagine they went to have a cup of tea or their there in the sidelines somewhere. Writing a room full of people…or dwarves…is not always easy. :D

Anywhoooo…IT IS WEDDING TIME!

Go ahead. You know you want to…

Chapter Nineteen

"Tauriel…"

Kili cringed as another wave of discomfort filtered from his wife who lay in bed, to him. She was not asleep, but neither has she gotten out of bed. Instead she lay with Finli in her arms, just looking out the open veranda window as the sun began to rise over the forest beyond.

The room was mostly dark, but the dawn was soon coming and the darkness will soon be chased away by the light. However, rather than still resting, Tauriel woke to deep pressure and pain. Her unborn son was fine, sleeping in fact, but she was taking calming breaths and forcing the discomfort away.

She did not sleep well that night, restlessness was her constant companion which had her climbing out of Kili's arms as he slept and stepping out of her room sometime after they had fallen asleep. She had chuckled when she saw Dain…unmoving and snoring loudly. But another sound caught her sensitive ears and she smiled when she heard her precious star calling out to her.

"Mama…"

There was also a bit of a ruckus going on and she glanced at the clock to see it was not yet an hour past midnight. Yet she heard voices in the hall. Deciding to see to her Finli first, Tauriel stepped into the nursery where her son was standing up and gripping the rails. Since Kaw was still not feeling well, he slept on…which Tauriel thought was most needed for her beloved raven in order for him to heal fully.

"Now I know why I am up, as your brother has decided his mama does not need rest. But why are you up my little star?" Tauriel hefted Finli out of the crib Kili had made and into her arms…which was not an easy task with her current size. "Since we are both awake, how about we go see what all the fuss is about in the hallway, hmm?"

Tauriel recalls stepping out of her chambers only to see Vin, Tarrah, Dis, and Thorin all arguing with Fili a few yards away. She shut her door so it would not disturb Dain, or her sleeping husband. "Has something happened?" She had asked as she walked up to the group.

It was then she realized Viltarra and Oin were there as well. "Tauri! Why are you up? You should be resting." Fili's expression softened as his sister came into view.

"I was, but I needed to stand up a moment and I heard you all outside. Now what is going on?"

Oin laughed. "Nothin' bu' a bit of pre-fatherhood panickin'."

Viltarra was the only one not to join in laughing at Fili's clear expense. She just looked frustrated and annoyed.

"I was not taking any chances. She was having pain…"

"I had a leg cramp and you scooped me up and all but ran me to Oin!" Viltarra grumbled, then glared at Fili. "I was in nothing but YOUR tunic! And half the company saw us along with several dozen guards."

"Nobody saw anything." Fili rolled his eyes. "And you just said cramp!"

"Lad, crampin' is normal. When it is time, yeh will know...trust me. Until then though…yeh may want to ask her rather than panic runnin' the mountain when she is half dressed."

Tauriel blinked as she looked at Viltarra who seemed to be pulling a dressing robe around her that looked as if it belonged to Thorin, who was the only one not wearing one so it must have been his.

"Are you alright, muinthel?"

"She's fine. Babies no' commin' tonight so I say yeh should get to bed. An you lad…" Oin looked to Fili with a raised brow. "Calm yerself. A babe takes time to be born…yeh have more than a mere few seconds to travers Erebor to my hall."

Fili rolled his eyes and folded his arms. "I will not apologize."

Vin laughed. "I think I took Tarrah to a healer five times before Karra finally came, and three times for Viltarra. Both healers were quite done with me by the time Tarrah finally did go into labor."

Fili huffed as Tauriel passed Finli to Dis. "It can begin rather quickly, I do not think we should judge Fili so harshly when he is simply doing what he thinks is right." Fili gave his sister a grateful smile.

"Aye, and I recall you, nâtha, were outside when it did and had to be carried in because you could not move fast enough on your own." Thorin shook his head. "Now, if we are not having any infants born tonight, I think everyone should return to their beds."

"I agree. We have a very busy day tomorrow. Viltarra, dear, are you sure you are up for the wedding?" Dis asked, holding Finli tight.

The blonde dam nodded. "Absolutely. I feel fine."

With nobody wanting to argue, the group dispersed back to their own rooms. Tauriel took Finli and rather than putting him back in his nursery, she felt the intense need to have him near. So she carried him to her and Kili's room where her precious prince was sprawled out on the bed, and carefully climbed in. Finli settled between her and Kili, and after some tossing and turning…Tauriel managed to fall to sleep again.

It was a battle to remain asleep though, so eventually Tauriel gave up and simply lay in bed, watching her Kili and Finli sleep. At some point, Kili left the bed unaware she was awake, and Tauriel realized it was not far off from the dawn, so she turned in bed bringing Finli with her, which gave her the opportunity to watch the sunrise. It was something she always loved doing when she had overnight guard duty in Mirkwood….watch the sky change and the light of the sun filter through the dense forest. It was magical, and though she was not watching it through the trees right now, it was no less enchanting. Especially with her Finli in her arms.

What was NOT enchanting or magical, was the pains still plaguing her. She doesn't really know what they are from, but they are most uncomfortable, and she knows that discomfort is leaking into Kili who had been calling her name for several minutes…likely thinking she is asleep.

Turning her head slightly, Tauriel smiled at Kili. "Good morning, meleth nin. Did you sleep well?"

"Do not give me that good morning nonsense." Kili rolled his eyes but smiled. "I know you were up most the night. How are you feeling?"

Tauriel tightened her arms around Finli and sighed into his hair. "In just two weeks, I will be perfectly fine. It is just the extra weight tugging and pulling, Kili. I am alright."

Kili shook his head and walked around the bed, sitting on the edge and looking down at her with the most loving expression. He ran his fingers through her hair, his thumb grazing her cheek then leaned in to press his lips to Finli's head...the toddler still lost to the waking world. Kili just let him sleep, it was going to be a busy day and a tired toddler was a miserable toddler who was unafraid to share that misery with everyone.

No, today had to be perfect for his uncle. He deserved it after everything he has done and accepted for Kili; after raising him and his brother as a father would, after not just taking Tauriel in, but loving her as a daughter, and for all of the sacrifices he has made for the family...and for their people. Today was to be Thorin and Nyaunni's day.

Kili sighed again and fingered her braid. He will redo those for her when she is ready to rise. "Amralime, if you need to stay in bed today, both Thorin and Nyaunni will understand. Nobody will hold anything against you."

Tauriel's emerald eyes shot to Kili and he felt the frustration and anger filter from her to him. "Nothing will stop me from being a part of adad's wedding. He walked me to you, Kili, I will be there for him." She carefully released Finli and tried to sit up.

Seeing her struggle, Kili took her hand to help her, and once she was sitting upright, Kili took Finli so she could get out of bed. "I drew you a bath love, I know they help. I even put those salts you like in the water and your dressing gown is hanging on the door for when you are finished. Oh, and don't worry about your braids, I will do those when I help you with your hair."

"I do not deserve you." Tauriel smiled and leaned forward, kissing him softly.

Kili hummed. "Never say that." He pressed his lips to hers again than let her go so she could relax in the bath. He hoped it will stop whatever pains she is enduring carrying their seemingly large son.

"Da?"

Kili's smile widened as he looked down into identical brown eyes. "Good morning, Fin. How about we go see if nan is up?"

Gathering his son, Kili...who was still in his dressing gown...left his chamber and followed his nose to the kitchen. "Mmm. Bacon." He was rather surprised, however, that it was not his mam at the stove, but Tarrah and Bilbo.

"Good morning Kili." Bilbo chimed as he cracked an egg into a bowl. "We were up so we decided to give Dis a break and start breakfast. Is Tauriel alright? Viltarra has been up and down all night."

"That is because Fili keeps taking her to Oin. Three times last night, he called for the healer." Tarrah chuckled. "Vin is still asleep on their sitting room sofa."

"Is she alright?" Kili asked surprised nobody woke him.

"She is fine. Just some pre-labor. Oin think's she might go by early next week." Tarrah tickled Finli who giggled and held out her hands for him; the little toddler immediately going to her. "I cannot wait to have a baby to hold...or two." She giggled as she looked to Kili who looked a bit less jovial than he usually seemed. "Is Tauriel doing okay?"

Kili took a piece of bacon from the platter and leaned against the counter. "She is in pain, but stubbornly refuses to miss uncle's wedding. She said she is well enough...and I don't believe her for a minute...but I won't take her own decisions away from her."

"Careful, that is hot." Bilbo warned as Kili cringed when the hot bacon hit his tongue. "Well...I tried to warn you; I just pulled that bacon from the pan. Didn't you realize it was hot when you picked it up?"

Kili scrunched his nose and held up his hands. "Calluses...Mr. Boggins...from archery, training, and jewelry making. Didn't even notice." He blew on the bacon then passed the now cooled strip to his son who ate it right away. "Need any help?"

"What is all this about?" Dis walked in, tying her dressing gown and looking about the kitchen.

"Looks like breakfast mam!" Fili walked in kissing her on the cheek as Viltarra and Vin came in behind her. "Where's Tauri?"

"Bath. I heard you were up all night, Fi...I am honestly surprised you are awake." Kili answered, holding the plate out. "Bacon?"

"DONT! Bilbo warned. "It's still hot." He gave Kili a look who shrugged as his mother smacked him on the shoulder.

"Behave. Apart from your uncle and Nyaunni, who are we missing?" Dis looked around.

"Tauriel, but I will bring her breakfast." Kili accepted a plate of scrambled eggs from Vin for Finli, and took his son to sit at the table while they prepared the rest of the food. "Is Leotti coming up?"

"I am sure she will be up in a bit." Dis turned to Viltarra and cupped her cheek. "Are you feeling alright, dear? I heard you were up again to see Oin.

Viltarra rolled her eyes but smiled. "I am fine. Fili is just...concerned. Everything should be fine."

"Concerned and in love." Fili kissed her on the back of the head. "I will always put your safety first, even if it means running through the mountain on false alarms over and over and over again. I would rather be wrong a hundred times and get you there on the one chance I was right...then to have something go wrong and not have taken you at all."

Viltarra pulled away from Dis and turned to take Fili's hands and leaned up, kissing him gently. "I understand. Thank you." Was all she said as Fili nodded and pulled her close.

"So what are the orders for the day mam?" Fili led Viltarra to a chair while both Vin and Dis joined in helping Bilbo. "Well, let's wait for your uncle to get in here, and we will decide what to do from there."

"Do I smell bacon?" Naurfaer stepped into the room; stealing a slice of bacon from the platter. "Lovely."

Bilbo huffed. "If you don't all stop eating that, there will be none left for breakfast."

"Relax Bilbo." Fili grinned. "I will make more." The blonde prince jumped up and moved to the cooker, grabbing more bacon from the parchment paper and adding it to the still hot pan. "Any other requests?"

"Pancakes." Finli called out, the room bursting into laughter.

"Pancakes it is for my favorite little nephew." Fili winked and pulled a bowl down. He moved to an unused part of the kitchen, and began mixing the ingredients together to make a few stacks for anyone wanting some.

Dain was next to step in, closely followed by Thorin who was nodding to something Dain was saying. At his feet, was Uri who was scurrying about but ran to Hiril who had her head in Viltarra's lap.

"Where is Nyaunni?" Dis asked seeing her brother sans his other half.

"She is just about to go down to the stables to see to Dajnel." Thorin mumbled, nodding a greeting to the family and the hobbit.

"Actually, if you don't mind taking Fin, I will join her. She shouldn't be going alone, and I really ought to tend to Galaddal and Maryn anyway." Kili stood, handing Finli to Naurfaer.

Thorin of course nodded, and watched Kili go. He looked about the room and narrowed his eyes. "Where is Tauriel?"

"Spending some time in the bath." Tarrah smiled as she set a platter of fresh berry rolls on the table before placing a cloth over the top to keep them warm.

"Lass's door was still closed when I left." Dain reached for a roll but Dis slapped his hand away as if he was one of her sons.

"Let them cool, Dain. Lest you burn your tongue and will be unable to speak tonight. Those are hot as molten iron." Rolling her eyes, Dis added several more platters to the table as Dain huffed and sat back like a dwarfling pouting.

Thorin chuckled but was soon grumbling as he picked Uri up off the table he climbed on, and placed him on the ground after the tiny creature stole a slice of bacon. "Oh no you don't." He growled as he placed Uri on the floor next to Hiril. "Mahal above it is like having another toddler about."

"But look at that face." Naurfaer gushed as he looked down at Uri who was chirping indignantly at Thorin. It appeared he was getting some feathers in…though at the moment they just looked like hundreds of spines going down his back to his tail with only a few showing signs of feathers peeking out.

Thorin looked as if he WANTED to respond...but thought better of it and continued to ignore the chirping aelúg until Uri gave up and plopped on the floor, chewing on one of his back claws.

"The ceremony is set to begin at lunch bell." Thorin sat forward, looking around the table. "The hall is done, so really it is just getting everyone ready."

"I talked to Bombur about the feast..." Naurfaer hedged.

"There should be no feast, Naurfaer. That food should have gone to the Firebeard army." Thorin stared hard at the red-headed elf...who was beaming. "What did you do?"

"They refused it, Thorin. Several had gone up to Balin when you left, and pleaded that they reverse the order and instead requested that we bring them only what was available. A certain head guard said he was not taking his kings wedding meal, though the gesture was one he will never forget." Naurfaer readjusted Finli in his lap, the toddler squirming with excitement as Fili placed a pancake in front of him. "After speaking with Bombur, however, he said there should be more than enough food to make both the feast for both you...and the army. The hunters have been bringing back surplus meat...and the greenroom is doing very well. So the army is fed, and you will have the feast you and Nyaunni deserve."

"I fully agree." Fili nodded, placing a plate piled with pancakes on the table. "With all you have done, and all auntie Nya has been through...you more than earned a day dedicated to both of you, complete with a feast, uncle. Besides, it sounds as if the decision has already been made so there is no point in fighting it."

"Well said lad." Dain yelled out, helping himself to half the pile of pancakes. He was noticeably happier seeing he will again be able to fill his belly with the rich foods of a wedding feast. "Seems as if everythin' is set then. Let's eat and get this day goin'!"

The family agreed and everyone took a seat and began filling their plates up with breakfast. Dis made sure to put aside enough food for Kili and Nyaunni for when they returned, and of course, for Tauriel when she was ready to eat.

"That's a good girl." Down in the stables, Kili praised his mare as he gave Maryn the last of her medicinal drops. "Can't wait to see that belly grow." He patted her on the back as he passed by her to give her fresh water and feed. Galaddal was standing outside his stall, untethered, and being brushed by Nyaunni who was waiting for Dajnel to eat.

"It will be awhile yet before that happens. It is her first." Nyaunni chuckled. She had been spending time with Oklan learning more about the animals, and even helped deliver a goat the other day…and they were due to have a litter of piglets anytime now. Oklan kept popping his head in to see to the large pig nuzzling about her pen looking restless. He said she was nesting, which meant…she will go quite soon. Nyaunni loves every minute she is in this part of Erebor, among the animals…especially at this time of the season when so many of the animals were rearing newborns. Life, was a miracle. "Just keep her happy and exercised and she will deliver healthy and strong."

Kili nodded as he went to work brushing Maryn since Nyaunni already fed Galaddal. They worked in silence until Nyaunni stepped back and wiped her hands. "Well, I believe these two are going out to pasture to enjoy the sun today."

"Good. Let's go eat." Kili exclaimed shutting the door to Maryn's stall, as Nyaunni put Dajnel back in her pen. Oklan will be taking the horses out a bit later.

Before leaving, Nyaunni placed the armor Dajnel was to wear, on one of the tables the stable hands had cleared for her. She smiled as she realized it would match her breastplate perfectly. Thorin was a true wonder. He had been the one to make both her wedding armor…and Dajnel's, so she should have known they would go together. "Alright." She nodded as she wiped her hands on her pants, glancing to make sure her aelúg was settled. "Let's go get some breakfast."

A bit later, the pair stepped into the kitchen and took a seat, Kili accepting the plate his mother pushed towards him. "I took the liberty of bringing Tauriel something, she was still in the bath, so I left it in your room dear."

Kili kissed his mother on the cheek. "Thanks mam."

As Kili and Nyaunni ate, Thorin and Dis handed out assignments for the morning. With the feast back on, Tarrah, Vin, and Bilbo were put in charge of seeing to that particular part of the evening since food was their preferred expertise. Dain would be meeting with Balin to go over some of the ceremony logistics as they decided when to start allowing dwarves to enter the hall for the ceremony…and who was allowed to come in first.

Kili and Tauriel were to work with Dis in getting the last few things ready in the throne room while Viltarra and Fili were staying up in the suites so someone would be available to report to.

Really, nobody in the family wanted neither Tauriel nor Viltarra to overexert themselves or be subjected to unnecessary stress. Fili already had Viltarra see Oin several times the night before…which meant neither had much sleep. Dis was perfectly fine with them resting in the main sitting room until they were needed in the ceremony.

As for Tauriel's current state…all one had to do was ask Kili how Tauriel was doing, and he would relay honestly that she was in pain and should be off her feet, preferably in bed…while everyone would know exactly what Tauriel would say in response…that she is perfectly fine and would rather be moving than sitting.

Dis looked to her son as he agreed to his task, shaking her head knowingly…her daughter was as stubborn as a dwarf. She lowered her brows in concern as she watched Kili close his eyes three times, his face showing evidence of discomfort; it didn't take a scholar to see he was feeling some kind of pain. Eventually, he would sigh, open his eyes, and look to the door until his name was called or until his son crawled into his lap and began chattering away to him pointing at Uri who was running circles around Hiril. It was quite endearing to see, though most of Dis's attention was on Kili.

As for Nyaunni and Thorin, they were doing something usually frowned upon, and spending the morning together…but neither really cared. Thorin wanted to go with Nyaunni to see the army from the Firebeards, then speak to the guards overseeing Dryok to make sure nothing untoward had happened or if he is being reasonable. Then they would split off when they returned to get ready.

The family and beloved hobbit, with their tasks to complete, left the room. Kili smiled as the being who was his everything walked down the hall, joining them as they headed down the stairs. They did not have a lot of work to do, but there were still things to be done before the dwarves of Erebor were allowed to come in, and as the sun came up, they realized how little time they had to do it.

"Honestly Thorin, everythin' has been quite quiet with Dryok." Nori relayed, his chair falling to the floor having been previously leaned back with his feet perched on the table before him. He was taking a break with Bofur while Dori and Bifur along with a dozen guards stood watch in front of Dryok's cell.

Over the last year, the cells have had extensive work; a team headed by Dwalin and Nori working to clean and replace the previously ruined iron bars with new, more secure structures. With a combination of both Tauriel and Naurfaer's help, Thorin is now more than confident that not even an elf could get out of Erebor's dungeons. Not that Thorin ever plans on putting an elf behind bars...though Thranduil did put him in a cell once, perhaps, retribution? No no, they were on good terms now. It would not do well to be petty...even if a part of him would love nothing more than to get him back.

The cells also now had an office for the patrols working the block, which happened to be where both Nori and Bofur currently sat. It gave them access to prisoners if needed, but also privacy should they need to question anyone or speak about anything without eavesdropping from any others who may be behind bars. Or, it simply functioned as a place to take a break while still being on duty.

"Good." Thorin eyed the door, debating if he wanted to speak to Dryok, but thought better of it. Today was his wedding day, and Dryok came to ruin that. He does not deserve any of his time, not when he has done so much wrong to their people...people he was trusted to lead and take care of, and not when he came to kill him. "I assume Aeodhen has four guards to take your place so you can come to the ceremony? You are my company, your place is in the throne room, the both of you."

"Of course, Thorin. We won' miss it, I can assure yeh of tha'." Bofur nodded. "Aeodhen has it all covered, and we all approve of his decision. There won' be a problem, an' we will be back on duty tomorrow."

"I am commin' back tonight." Nori nodded. "I ain' trust him the no' do somethin' stupid."

Bofur laughed. "Bu' he has already done somthin' stupid. More than one somethin' if you ask me. Naw. I don' think he has a single friend in this mountain, an' I doubt many in his own clan...he's probably safest here. I think they would kill 'im if he went back. Yeh won' be sending him back, Thorin...will yeh? Tha' will be a death sentence for sure."

"Only cause he failed." Nori hummed as an added thought. "If he triumphed, it would no' have mattered cause in his mind...'e would have won Erebor...idiot. Bu' I doubt any...even those he managed teh sway...would be lookin' kind on 'im now."

"I doubt they would even admit they were behind 'im." Bofur sat back, taking a draw of his pipe, as Nori nodded his agreement.

Nyaunni just folded her arms as she looked about the three males in the room, having been quietly listening beside Thorin. "What happens to Dryok, will be decided by the lords when they come...and I am in full agreement with whatever they decide." She looked to Thorin who just stared at the door that led to the cells. "But if they let him live, it will probably be best he does not return to the Firebeards. In fact, his family, should probably be warned."

"Yeh don' think they will hurt 'em...would they?" Bofur asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

"They won't." Thorin grumbled. "By the time they get news of what has happened, we will have a group there with food, and some temporary leadership. I believe they are to leave Erebor by morning, along with any of the army wishing to return to their clan mountain." He sighed. "If there is nothing to report, we will move on. I will be seeing all four of you at the ceremony."

"Aye Thorin, at noon bell. We will be there." Nori nodded in agreement.

The dwarven king, and his soon to be queen, left nodding at the guards, Bifur, and Dori as they left. The morning bell was near about to chime which is a testament on just how long it took Thorin and Nyaunni to get down to the cells deep in the mountain. They were constantly stopped and congratulated as they walked through their mountain's halls. Thorin could not help but feel both pride and gratitude towards his people, for how accepting they were of Nyaunni. Though quite a few who stopped them were former Minam dwarves, who were more than happy to see one of their own find true happiness.

As it was, it took nearly a half hour just to walk to speak to Aeodhen who was sitting in Balin's office reading over what appeared to be a report while Dain smoked a pipe before the fire, seemingly lost in thought.

"Ah, Thorin." Balin rose to greet his king. "An' Nyaunni. Commin' to see how the Firebeards are fairin'?

Thorin nodded as he accepted the parchment from Aeodhen. "Everyone's grateful. Spoke with the company tha' was questionin' them and some of the guards...no' one of 'em had a good thing teh say about Dryok. As far as I can tel, we won' be havin' any problems with 'em."

"Aye. Heartbreaking, some of those stories. Many have lost family, children, an' their freedom to Dryok's choices." Balin agreed.

"Freedom?" Nyaunni looked taken aback. "What do you mean, freedom?"

"Remember the lad, Kudri, who los' his daughter?" Both Thorin and Nyaunni nodded. "Well he signed his freedom away teh cover her care...an' he is no' the only one in tha' group te do so. Appears a large portion o' them are only here...cause they had no other choice. They were ordered an' accountable under their contract teh serve...no' their free will an' loyalty."

"Well that is good for us. The last thing I want is a civil war breaking out INSIDE my mountain." Thorin passed the parchment to Nyaunni who looked it over. It really was just a roster of who was there, if they were under contract, and where they were staying in Erebor. It was deeply sad to see just how many were forced to march under contractual obligations. "Though…I would like the chance to kill Dryok. If he even tries to break out, it will be his life."

"Aye, an' I think he knows tha'. It's over fer him. We have too much. The anger I feel, is on behalf of those dwarves we did no' know were sufferin'." Balin shook his head. "Our kin."

From the other side of the room, Dain growled as he all but slammed his pipe down onto the table, not even caring that it snapped in half from the force. "Wha' he has done…I 'ave no words for. The way 'e forced those to follow 'im…is…nothin' short of disgustin'. I am…I…I wish I could kill 'im for it. For those he did wrong, I wish I could kill 'im. Had I known how bad it was Thorin…I would no' have stopped you from finishin' him las' night. I would have taken yer sword, an' done it meself. This makes me sick, jus' sick."

The room was silent for a few moments. They all agreed with Dain, the Firebeards should not have gone through what they did. Aeodhen sighed as he spoke. "Are yeh goin' to check in on the other clans, Thorin, jus' in case..."

"Oh, I will be. In fact, Balin..." Thorin looked to the scholar. "I want you to put six groups together, consisting of a leader, guards, and someone you trust who is capable of accounting for the clans. I will inform the other lords that we will be sending groups with a sealed letter to the lords. They are not to know of their arrival, until they arrive. I want true reports of the clans, not falsified ones. This will never happen again, not under my reign."

"Aye, Thorin. It will be done." Balin agreed, writing a note to himself with some details of what is to be done.

"My halls are open to yeh, Thorin. At any time." Dain smiled. He had nothing to hide. He kept his records straight and honest. Of course, Thorin gave him a small, grateful smile before turning to Aeodhen.

"So we won't be having a problem?" Thorin asked one more time.

"With the Firebeards? I highly doubt you have anythin' teh worry on." Aeodhen stood. "Relax, an' try to enjoy yer day, Thorin, Nyaunni. Bombur is keeping 'em fed, an they have beds and freedom here…which is already more than I hear they had at their mountain. Many have even enquired on stayin' permanently, an' asked wha' Erebor had to offer fer work. I was waitin' on yer order teh let them enjoy the markets."

"Let them go." Nyaunni said with a small smile. "Let them be free. From someone who spent time in captivity, they deserve a chance to truly do as they please."

Thorin thought on it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Balin, give each dwarf who came here gold enough for payment for their services to the Firebeards, and tell the merchants I will cover their food while they stay until things are more permanent...just as I have done for the dwarves of Minam." He looked to Nyaunni who took his hand and squeezed it. "Aeodhen, keep an eye on them. Put extra guards in the markets, just in case. I am not making judgments…I just want to ensure both the Firebeards, and those who live in my mountain are safe."

"Aye, Thorin. I will get on it immediately." Aeodhen bowed low, then swiftly left the room.

"Anything else Balin?" Thorin asked, once Aeodhen was gone.

The white-haired dwarf smiled. "Do either of yeh need to practice the ceremony one more time?"

The couple decided to remain with Balin and Dain...not quite going over ceremony verbiage since both were confident...but more speaking about Dryok and his clansmen. Dain again urged Thorin to merge the clans more than confident the lords would back him once they heard what Dryok had done to the Firebeards.

It was only when a head of blonde curls peaked in, that they even realized how long they had been in Balin's office. "Hello, sorry to interrupt, but Dis sent me down to retrieve Nyaunni to begin getting her ready." Leotti stepped all the way in, her formal attire already on causing Thorin to look at the clock.

"Yeh better go, before Dis sends the army down to find yeh." Dain laughed slapping Thorin on the back, the dwarven king glaring at his cousin but standing all the same.

"Actually, I am here for just Nyaunni. Dis said you can come up in an hour or so." Leotti sung, taking Nyaunni's hand and tugging her out before anyone could say anything.

Nyaunni just lifted a brow, but smiled as the small dam pulled her through the crowds...calling out apologies to anyone wanting to stop them. "NO! Sorry, you can make your tidings at the feast...we have time to keep and we are already behind." She said more than once. "Naurfaer and Kili said they will get Dajnel's armor on for you, so you don't mess your dress."

Nyaunni sighed. She really wanted to be the one to prepare her fellbeast...her aelúg she corrected to herself...Mahal that will get some getting used to. But, Leotti did have a point, she did not want to mess the gown the little dam worked so hard on for her. Besides, since Kili was in the stables seeing to Maryn and when Tauriel didn't feel up to it, Galaddal as well, Dajnel has gotten used to the young prince.

Naurfaer too was often in the stables, either helping Kili, making certain Tauriel doesn't do a runner with her horse, or just visiting the animals on his free time which he enjoyed doing more often than not. Whenever he was there, whether it was to care for the horses or keep an eye on his granddaughter, Naurfaer always helped with the other animals as well…and was well liked by the stable hands. Even the animals tended to calm in his presence, Nyaunni felt that keenly whenever he was around. She wondered if it was because he was an elf, as they calmed around Tauriel too, who was even able to calm Maryn…one of the very few animals in the stable who did not take to Naurfaer, though neither did Thorin's horse, Rhya.

Nyaunni chuckled. Tauriel had told her about the first time she met Naurfaer, and how he held a bit of a resentment towards Rhya who bit him...and still does try if he gets close enough. As for Maryn...well…she doesn't really like anyone except Tauriel, Kili, and surprisingly Thorin. Though she holds a particular dislike for Naurfaer...whom Kili swears has something to do with the battle of five armies, and Naurfaer riding her during the battle. Though if you ask Nyaunni, that mare simply has a preference, and she has no mind to change it.

"I suppose you might be right." Nyaunni sighed again.

"Suppose? Of course I am right." Leotti beamed. Nyaunni wanted to be annoyed, but she just allowed the dam to continue to tug her through the mountain, and currently empty throne room. "Before you ask, they are all upstairs."

Nyaunni didn't even have a chance to respond as she was pulled past the chuckling guards, up the steps, and through the doors to the main sitting room where the family seemed to be gathered...or most of it.

"Mahal Leotti. Mam said retrieve her, not pull her here like a toddler." Fili folded his arms and looked to Nyaunni. "You know, you will be queen auntie Nya, you could...I don't know...put her in stocks for that...maybe hang her by the feet in the dungeon?"

"I happen to know, we don't HAVE a dungeon like that." Leotti stuck her tongue out at Fili who glared at her.

"Where do you think the cells are, little Otti? We keep the torture chamber in the same place…just in case." Fili taunted.

"Alright children, enough is enough." Dis huffed. "Honestly you two, when will you both grow up."

"Hopefully by the time he has to take the throne." Leotti laughed as Fili scowled. "Sorry Dis. At least you have Viltarra, she will just have to be the mature one of the pair."

"I am mature, thank you." Fili grumbled until his wife's tittering laughter caused him to smile and he put his arm around her, holding her close.

Nyaunni looked to Dis who had her eyes closed as her hands pinched the bridge of her nose. She looked to be the copy of Thorin when he had had enough, so she took over. "If you are going to act like dwarflings, you can sit with Finli, otherwise, we have a wedding to prepare for. Where would you like me, Leotti?"

Leotti gestured to the hall. "We moved everything to Viltarra's room this morning. That way Thorin can get ready in his room. Let's go ladies. Not you Fili." Leotti glared at the prince who rolled his eyes.

"I'm staying here, don't worry. I will direct anyone who comes up until uncle and Dain get here. Do you want me to watch the gremlin, Tauri?" Fili looked to his sister...who did not look great, but was smiling.

"If you do not mind, muindor. That way I can focus on helping with Nyaunni's hair." Tauriel accepted Dis's hand to help her stand, as Kili and Naurfaer were already down in the stable with Dajnel. She kept getting questioning waves from her husband who was clearly concerned with the pain she was feeling. But as she kept telling everyone, she was FINE, and responding as such to Kili as best she can without words, while trying to block the pain from him so he would stop getting so concerned…and so he would feel less of her discomfort. Her muscles just have had enough, that is all. Just two weeks, and it will all be worth it.

Nobody argued with Tauriel though, and nobody suggested she stay seated as they made their way to Viltarra's room. It was not for a lack of doing so for the last week…it was more because the stubborn eleth will sit and rest when she wants to…and never when she is told to. Or in other words…they were tired of arguing with stone.

As soon as they got into the room, the four dams and one eleth got to work getting ready. If Nyaunni was expecting a quick process…she was in for a surprise. Two hours later, they were still getting ready. She sighed for what felt like the thousandth time as Tauriel stood behind her and added another braid to her hair as she chatted with Viltarra, who had her feet up on the bed while she scratched Hiril behind the ear. Just behind her, Dis was trying to decide what to do with the blonde dam's waves.

"Can you pass me that bead?" Tauriel held out her hand to Dis who nodded from where she attempted to manage Viltarra's hair…who made a face when Dis tugged as she leaned closer to Tauriel.

"Dis, do you have to pull? And it is not MY wedding, why must you do my hair?" Viltarra scrunched her nose in distaste, huffing when Dis tugged at a particularly bad knot in her hair.

The elder dam rolled her eyes. "Because you are IN the wedding. Where are Vin and Tarrah by the way? Shouldn't they be up here by now?"

Viltarra shrugged, she really did not know where her parents were off to. As far as she knew, they were with Bilbo.

However, Leotti was the one to answer. "They are still in the kitchens with Bombur. I saw them when I was looking for Thorin and Nyaunni. They said they will be up later. Bilbo is in there too, he was showing Vin a recipe from the shire…I believe they were even baking it for dinner tonight."

"Da loves learning new recipes…and he does tend to lose track of the hour when he is in the kitchen. Mam will make sure they get up here in time though." Viltarra smiled but let out a yelp when Dis's comb got stuck in her thick waves.

"Sorry dear." Dis genuinely apologized, gently removing the comb and using her fingers instead.

Nyaunni sat quietly and listened to the others chat as Tauriel worked on her hair. The eleth's slim fingers moved through her curls as if they were made to, which was really rather surprising to the dam since to date, Thorin has been the only one to ever attempt to tame her tight curls with any success, and without pain. So apart from the amount of time it was taking…which was less about how long the actual work on her hair took and more about Tauriel's need for frequent toilet breaks…Nyaunni really had no complaints.

"Dis do you have the beads from Thorin?" Tauriel finally asked as she stepped away from the bride to be.

Dis nodded. "Give me just a moment." She swept her fingers through Viltarra's thick waves, then placed her circlet on her head, pulling hair through part of it so it sat on her brow as it should while keeping her family and commitment braids where they belonged. "You are done dear." Dis then turned and pulled a small box from her pocket before stepping out of the bedchamber and leaning out the suites door so she could call to her eldest son. "Fili, come in here please, and bring Finli."

The golden haired prince, with the dwelfling in his arms, came walking in. "Something wrong mam?"

"No dear, I just wanted you both here to give Nyaunni her family beads." Dis smiled and patted his cheek, and her smile grew as her other son walked in behind Fili.

"Mind if we join too? As we are part of the family." Kili gave his mam a lopsided grin and she chuckled, kissing her taller, but younger son on the cheek.

"Do I get a kiss?" Naurfaer asked, a teasing grin on his face.

Dis rolled her eyes. "No, but you can get your granddaughter to sit down….if that is at all possible."

"I am afraid it would be easier to get Thranduil to agree that dwarves are the superior race on middle earth." Naurfaer chuckled.

"Is she alright?" Kili asked, the grin he had a moment ago quickly turning to concern. "She has been blocking me out for a bit."

"She claims to be fine. She is just finishing Nyaunni's hair. How much time do we have?" Dis asked, looking to the clock to answer her own question. "OH MAKERS BEARD! Is it really an hour before noon!? Where has the time gone?! We need to get moving…now! The hall will be filling before we know it."

"Actually…" Kili said looking to the clock. "That is a quarter hour slow…and the throne room is already filling. The top two tiers were full when I passed through, and the guards have begun showing a few into the main seating area. Dain is even down there, ready and waiting."

"DAIN! How long have we been in here?" Dis gasped.

"Three hours mam. Dain came up an hour ago to finish getting ready with uncle." Fili replied as he handed a squirming Finli to his father. "He said he peaked his head in, but since you were in the bedchamber, he didn't want to intrude."

"Mahal." Dis exclaimed as she rushed into the bedchamber where Leotti was laughing at Viltarra who was sharing a story about how she had once had to explain to a human woman that she, under no circumstances, would make a pie out of cow feces…even if it was for a cheating no good husband who got the butchers widow pregnant just weeks after their own first-born son was born.

"I would have made it." Leotti laughed darkly. "But only if I was invited over to watch him eat it."

"Mama ended up giving her a simple recipe that anyone could make successfully…my father used to call it her no fail pie…as even a child could make it." Viltarra snickered. "Mama had said she could not agree to make the pie either, as the requested main ingredient was not something she would ever want in her cart or near the food they sell. But…she was happy to pass her the recipe. The woman was ecstatic, and came and bought baked goods every day we were there. Apparently, she was very well off having inherited quite a bit from her extremely wealthy parents…so she had no fears of releasing her husband…after a bit of revenge. She said it was the best decision for both her, and her infant son as her husband seemed to want nothing to do with him...his own son. She was rather pleased with herself when a week later, she came exclaiming her success."

Both Tauriel and Nyaunni looked horrified, while the little seamstress laughed out again. "Good on her, that is a woman I would very much like to meet one day."

"As both heartbreakingly sad and amusing as this story sounds…we are nearly out of time." Dis handed the small box to Tauriel to hold as she pulled Nyaunni out of the chair she had been in. Tauriel did wonders on her hair, leaving all the natural curls down, and only braiding a portion on one side back with some golden beads to match her armor, while the rest fell free about her shoulders.

Dis smiled at her soon to be sister. "You are already part of this family, Nyaunni, so it is time you wore a symbol to show it."

Tauriel opened the box carefully, a deep warmth filling her as she remembered receiving her own beads in Ered Luin, the morning after she arrived covered in mud and blood. "Viltarra and I were gifted the honor to show which family we belong to."

"And so we always remember, even though we do not have the same blood running through our veins, we are still a part of the house of Durin." Viltarra smiled as she stood and stepped beside Dis.

Kili placed an arm around Tauriel, his other holding his son. "You have more than earned your place in our family, and our house."

"So, we now come together, to share in the honor of inviting you to wear our braids." Fili finished, his soft smile bringing tears to Nyaunni's eyes.

Dis took her hand. "Do you accept?"

Nyaunni just stared at the beads almost longingly. "I have been in this mountain for a mere few weeks. Not even an entire season has passed since I have been found and freed." Her moist azure eyes lifted to the family before her. "In that small time, I have found out that the dwarf that I loved in my childhood, was not only alive, but never once accepted another to stand at his side…because he only wanted me. I have found a people who took me in and has been nothing but kind to someone who is a stranger to them. And, I have found a family so rich with love it is nearly overwhelming. I went from being alone, to having a sister…a sister who has pulled me into her home, even her rooms, and never once said a word of insult when Thorin and I chose to share a bed before we had an official union...or even an understanding. A sister who has done all she can to make my transition here both easy and comfortable." Nyaunni smiled at Dis who returned it while squeezing her hand.

"I have nephews who in so many ways, remind me of their uncle Frerin, the brother in my heart…yet are also, very much, their own beings. Fili, you will make an incredible king one day. Apart from the somewhat endearing relationship you have with Leotti…" She lifted a brow to the little dam who smiled wide and giggled. "…it is easy to see the honor, wisdom, and true kindness in your heart. Your people love you, and you have the makings of a great leader."

"Kili…" Nyaunni looked to the dark-haired prince. "It would be so easy for you to resent your brothers right to rule. You are not much younger than he, and I grew up hearing tales of kingdoms of man and even dwarf being wrent and torn when brothers fought for the throne…some even shedding blood of their own to get it. Yet you…you have the purest heart in this family. Your love for your brother…just your love in general…is so, precious. Your eyes are not on power, your eyes are steadily on those you care about, and for that the people love you as much as they love your brother. You both will rule as equals…because of the relationship and the trust you have in each other."

Kili looked to Fili and smiled wide. Nyaunni could not be more right. He has no desire for a throne nor a desire for power. He only wants to be here with his family, for as long as Mahal allows. He loves Fili, and just as he needs Tauriel to breathe, he also needs his brother. And Fili…Fili felt exactly the same as Kili.

"Together." The golden hair prince whispered softly to his baby brother.

"Together. Always." Kili replied just as softly.

Nyaunni could not help but just take a moment and take these two in. Their future, will be one of joy. She then looked to Tauriel and Viltarra. "I have to admit, I never had many female friends growing up in Erebor, and only a select few I would count as friends in Minam who did not fault me for something that was not my doing. Yet here are two who have accepted me without judgment. I see why Fili and Kili love you so much, how could they not? You put your own priorities aside, to see to those around you…both of you."

The dam then laughed as Finli reached out for her. "And I have not forgotten about you. Never…in all my years…did I ever dare to dream I would have grandchildren. It was inconceivable in my childhood because I was not even old enough to consider having a child…let alone a grandchild. Then Minam…Minam taught me that dreaming brought nothing but pain. Yet here I am, holding a child who calls me grandma. I am overfilled with gratitude, and love."

Finally, with Finli still in her arms, she looked to Naurfaer. "Outside you and Tauriel, I cannot say I have known many elves in my lifetime, or interacted with them. I have a beautiful story of a flute gifted to me not long before Smaug came, but other than that, I was taught elves were cold, uncaring, thieves. They could not be more wrong." She hugged Finli tight. "Elves, dwarves, man…there are good and bad in both, love and hate in both, and tenderness and despair in both. If Thror could see us now with you and Tauriel here...and Finli, he would be furious, claiming elves were trying to take down this mountain from within, and destroying this people." She laughed. "But he could not be more wrong. You love these people; you are these people. The both of you." She smiled at Tauriel and Naurfaer. "And who could ever not love the result of such pure love." She kissed Finli on the head.

Nyaunni's smile was wide and open. "You say you came together to have the honor of inviting me to wear your braids…" A tear slipped down her cheek and she let it slide. "…but the truth is, the honor...the honor is mine. I would love nothing so much as to show all who see me what family I have been blessed by Mahal to find again."

Dis was wiping away her own tears as she nodded and waited for Nyaunni to lower Finli to the floor, the toddler plopping down a few feet away to play with Hiril. Dis then gave Nyaunni the first braid, Viltarra handing her a bead, and Tauriel helping to clamp it. On the other side of Nyaunni's head, Kili did the second family braid, and Fili accepted the bead from his wife and clamped it into place.

Once done, Naurfaer pulled her into a hug. Braiding, he left for the others, but he was going to be the first one to hug the dam. "Welcome to the family." He grinned broadly as he released her and watched as she hugged everyone in the room. "Now, if I am not mistaken, we only have a half hour to get everyone ready. Kili, Fili, we should go make sure Thorin is set. Tauriel, Dis, Viltarra, join us as soon as you are all dressed. I will get Finli ready too, starlight."

"Thank you." Tauriel leaned up and pecked Naurfaer on the cheek, causing his face to warm. He cannot relay the joy he feels whenever she shows him a rare bit of affection.

"Come on you." Fili scooped Finli up, throwing the laughing toddler over his shoulder, and left the room, Kili and Naurfaer following behind…both unable to contain their own laughter at Fin's contagious giggles.

"Now, let's get you all dressed. And no more touching the warg! Her drool will mess your dress." Leotti glared at Viltarra who rolled her eyes as she continued to pet Hiril until Leotti held up her gown and she was forced to get into it.

With the girls all working together, they were dressed in record time…though Tauriel and Viltarra needed seemingly more aid in getting dressed than even Nyaunni. Within minutes, both Tauriel and Viltarra were visibly exhausted, and the day was not yet half over. However when asked...both vehemently argued that they were fine. Stubborn, the both of them.

Once they were finished, rather than staying and waiting, Nyaunni opted to go with Leotti to take her place in the ceremony. She didn't have anyone to walk her in, and no family apart from the one she was joining, so Leotti agreed to help her to her place where Oklan would be waiting with Dajnel, and stay with her until everyone was ready to begin, so Nyaunni was not alone. Leotti had a designated seat of honor anyway, which meant she had no worries about not having a place to sit. She would be right beside Ori at the front.

It left Dis, Viltarra, and Tauriel to readjust the last bits of their outfits, and join the rest of the family in Thorin's room.

"Oh no you don't!" Dis called out as they were about to leave, tugging her daughter's hand and pushing her gently to a chair. "Forgetting something, dear?"

Tauriel looked confused until Dis was placing her forgotten circlet over her head, having noticed Tauriel had left it on the dresser. "I swear, you and Kili were weaved for each other in the great before. Mahal himself, drew you both up and decreed you were one." The eleth huffed as Dis fixed the hair around the circlet…which will be not unlike the battle she will soon be having with her son…except she doubts Kili will sit still like Tauriel was. "Alright, you are perfect. Let's go."

Yet, as Dis moved to the door, Tauriel did not budge from her seat. Instead, she stared off with wide eyes. "Tauriel?" Dis stepped back to her daughter and took her hand, startling the eleth who blinked the previously concerning expression away. "Are you alright, darling."

"Perfectly fine." Tauriel's answer came so fast, it caused Dis to worry even more, but since the red-headed eleth was somehow already up without help, and swiftly walking to the door, Dis decided to let it go.

She regretted not questioning her daughter further, however, when she entered her family room and looked at her son, who was frowning at Tauriel even as Fili was attempting to tame his brothers wild hair, and shoving the circlet on his head. Dis felt a bit guilty she sent a prayer of gratitude to Mahal for not having to do that herself.

"DIS!" Before she could say anything to Kili about Tauriel, Dis was turning to her brother who stared at her with his arms folded. "Are you alright? I have been saying your name for several minutes." He pulled her into his bedchamber and shut the door. "What is wrong?"

"What? Nothing…" She began but Thorin lifted a brow and she shook her head. "…just, I worry over Tauriel. I don't know if she should be standing for very long."

"I already talked with Oin. He said as long as she feels up to it, she should be able to take part in the wedding." Thorin eyed the door for several heartbeats, then turned his eyes to his sister and uncharacteristically shuffled around a bit…as if he was suddenly nervous about something. "Dis, there is something I want to ask."

"Of course Thorin." Dis smiled invitingly.

Thorin fixed one of her braids falling loose, replacing the pin so it held, then stepped back and looked at her. "For well over a century, it has just been you and I. We raised your sons, rebuilt Ered Luin AND Erebor, been through both Fili and Kili's weddings, and even the birth of a grandson. Dis, I want you by my side at the wedding, not behind me. I want you at the place our father or mother would be. I want you to give me away."

Dis was taken aback as tears fell freely down her cheeks and she pulled Thorin into her arms. "I can never give you away, Thorin, I need you too much. But I can share you, my dearest brother." She pressed her forehead to his.

"I will always be here for you, anai." Thorin loved his baby sister, deeply. She has been his rock in his darkest days, and she was the mother of the two dwarves he loved as his own. But there was room in his heart, to love another so entirely it hurt. But that does not mean, he will ever turn his back on Dis, because truth be told, he needed her too.

"Do you promise?" Dis asked quietly.

"You know the answer to that." Thorin smiled wide, pulling away and taking her hands. "I will be here, as long as you need me."

"I will always need you, naddûn, my brother." It was the echo of the conversation they had just after the fall of Erebor, when they had lost their mother, when Thorin had unknowingly lost Nyaunni, and when their people suffered greatly…when their family suffered greatly.

"As I you, anai." Thorin glanced at the clock, Dis following his gaze. "It is time." He held out his arm, which Dis took, and together, the brother and sister duo left the room to join their waiting family.

Thorin looked around as they quietly stepped into the sitting room. He let out a sigh of relief, seeing Tauriel FINALLY sitting in a chair while Kili redid her braids for her. It was heartwarming to see Kili kiss Tauriel gently as he finished, readjusting the circlet on her brow before scooping Finli up out of her lap. Beside the pair, Viltarra to was sitting, Hiril at her feet and Naurfaer speaking softly about how good wargs and domesticated wolves were with children.

Once the family realized Thorin and Dis had returned, Fili was first to pull his uncle into a tight embrace. "It is your turn uncle, to find the greatest of happiness."

Thorin smiled into his nephew's blonde hair, his eldest son. "You are mistaken, I have had the greatest happiness with all of you. Nyaunni, will only add to that joy."

Kili was next, placing his son on the ground and pulling Thorin into his arms. "There is nothing in this world that can prepare you for the feeling that you have when you look at the other half of your soul, and realize they are yours…and you are theirs." His eyes met Tauriel's as she now stood behind Thorin, mouthing she loved him as Kili sent the same feeling back through their bond. His strong Tauriel, his warrior elf, his better half. He knew she was uncomfortable, but she seemed intent on giving Thorin his day.

Thorin pulled back and smiled. "I could not agree more."

Naurfaer was next to pull Thorin into a hug, but made certain to contain his exuberance…as it usually tested Thorin. Instead he just clapped the dwarven king on the back and smiled as he stepped away.

"What…no words of wisdom to bestow?" Thorin lifted a brow, but Naurfaer shook his head no.

"Today, is for you Thorin. I may be old, and some may consider me to be…of a different sort. But there is nothing more beautiful than two people meant for each other, tying their lives together." Naurfaer closed his eyes, pulling up an image of Elbereth, her dress flowing in the wind behind her as she promised herself to him in a field of wildflowers. "There may come a day, when your memory of today is all you have to get you through the hardest of times. Keep it vibrant and filled with light, and stow away worries for another day."

Thorin nodded. "Wise words, my friend."

Thorin turned to Tauriel, his daughter, the eleth who worked her way into his heart and saved them all. Hugging her would be…difficult…so instead, Thorin pulled her head against his. "Adad, I am fill with almost more joy than I can handle for you."

Thorin just smiled and pulled away, only to place his hands on her swollen belly just in time to feel his nephew within give a good kick. "Strong." He smiled. "Like his mother."

Thorin did the same to Viltarra, who was quite a bit smaller than Tauriel, and it seemed her child was not in the mood to make his or her presence known. "I think she is asleep."

"Or HE is just quietly enjoying the moment." Fili corrected earning a glare from his wife.

"POP!" Finli lifted his arms, wanting it to be his turn since everyone in the room has had a chance to hug his grandfather…except him.

"My little Finli. I never want you to change." Thorin pressed his brow to his grandsons who rubbed their noses together then squealed with joy. How he loved Thorin.

A knock at the door had the family turning from the precious moment only to see their most beloved hobbit step in. "So, so sorry to intrude. But Dain and Balin sent me up. Everything is ready for you."

"Bilbo." Thorin's smiled widened as he passed his grandson to Kili. "My dearest friend." He pulled Bilbo into a tight embrace, the hobbit happily reciprocating. "We would not be here, without you." He said softly pulling back. "It would be an honor if you stood with my family."

"Me!? Oh, oh no. I couldn't." Bilbo's cheeks flamed red.

"Come on Bilbo, you were the heartbeat of the company. You more than earned a place with us." Kili smiled from where he stood beside his wife.

"Never gave up on us, not once." Fili placed a hand on Bilbo's shoulder. "You could have turned and gone home, you could have remained in Rivendell, you could have left us in those cells in Mirkwood…but you didn't. You were treated…far too poorly. Yet you remained with us. You deserve to be where you belong, standing with the family."

"Aye, my friend." Thorin smiled. "And, I will not take no for an answer." When Bilbo looked about to argue again, Thorin leaned down once more and whispered. "Do not forget, I am a high king."

"OH…oh…yes…of course. Can't deny a king." Bilbo chuckled, then his expression softened. "I would be honored, Thorin, to stand with your family."

"Good." Thorin turned to the rest of his family. "We better get down there than."

Together, they left the wing. The sounds of the people in the hall below echoed up as they made their way slowly down the steps, with Bilbo in the lead…until he realized the family was not turning into the throne hall, and instead filed into the large conference room until Dain gave them the signal to begin.

This was not a normal longbeard wedding, because it was not just a Longbeard wedding…it was fused with the Firebeards tradition. As such, Nyaunni was not on the opposite side of Thorin, joining him in the middle. Instead, the tradition of meeting in her house was somewhat different…but it was one of the few she asked to be a part of the wedding.

They were in the room for maybe a minute, when Balin stepped in. "We are ready to begin, Thorin."

Thorin nodded and stepped to the door, then looked at Dis who took her place at his side, more than ready to bring Nyaunni into the family…fully. Though before Thorin could grasp the handle of the door, she did reach up and adjust his crown. "Now, you are ready." She smiled as she took his offered arm, and with the two souls they raised together…along with their mates, Bilbo, and Naurfaer…the family finally stepped out into the throne room.

The hall was over filled. If Fili's wedding hosted a full house, then this was a bursting house. Dwarves and dams were standing in every possible open space on all levels; each there to support their king and soon to be queen.

Thorin nodded his head at his company who stood at the front; each receiving a personal greeting from Thorin. However, the dwarven king froze when he came to the last member, and he had to incline his head to meet the eyes of the taller being.

"I presume, you would honor an old wizard by allowing him to come unannounced to see you wed?"

"Gandalf." Thorin smiled and clasped the wizard's wrist. "You are always welcome to Erebor."

"Yes, yes, well, when master Bilbo here wrote to me, informing me of such wonderful tidings, how could I miss it. You better get up there though, king under the mountain. You have a wedding to participate in."

Thorin chuckled as he and the family took their places, and the room went silent. At least, until the doors were thrown open with a crash and Dryok's soldiers burst in, marching down the aisle in two lines.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!" Thorin roared as the dwarves of Erebor began to panic. Where were his guards? Why was Aeodhen trying to calm those around him down. Thorin was ready to call for his sword until the front most guard stood proudly before him and bowed low, it was Kravin, and he was smiling softly as he stood and turned towards the Firebeards guards and yelled out. "Callin' attention!"

Suddenly the mood changed as the guards turned facing each other, then took two large steps back, so they were lining the center aisle.

Kravin waited for the room's chatter to die down before he spoke again in khuzdul. "It is my great honor, to present our ladyship, daughter of Draupnir, son of Uri, our great first father…Lady Nyaunni, of the Firebeard clan. Please stand in her honor."

Taking a deep breath, Nyaunni urged Dajnel into view, and Thorin's world stood still. Children of Uri, took pride in their animals. As such, it was a long held tradition that they rode their kinbeast, or the animal they communed closest with, down the aisle. The beast…be it horse, boar, bear, ram, or in Nyaunni's case…an aelúg…would be the first to accept the intended. If they did, the wedding would proceed as it meant Uri accepted the match…if they did not…many would say the match was doomed to fail.

So astride her magnificent creature, Nyaunni rode down the aisle towards Thorin. When she had arrived with Leotti to the entrance hall just before the ceremony where Dajnel waited, held by Oklan, she was more than surprised to be greeted by three dozen guards all in cleaned and polished armor depicting the Firebeard clan. At first, Nyaunni's heart began to race. Was this going to turn into the civil war Thorin feared?

However, her heart did calm just a bit seeing Aeodhen standing with Kravin and Kudri, speaking quietly until Nyaunni reached them. "What is going on here?" She will be getting to the bottom of what was happening sooner rather than later.

"My lady. Uri smiles on your beauty." Kravin knelt to one knee, followed by the rest of the guards behind him. Aeodhen lifted a brow but remained silent, so Nyaunni was not worried and let Kravin continue. "We wish to take our place at yer side, as yer guard. We have been appraised of yer loss, and recent liberation. You may no' know or recall much of our traditions, bu' as the daughter of Draupnir, it is yer right to be presented by yer clan. Erebor may be yer home, but we, we are yer kinsmen. We have blood of Uri. Please, give us the great honor, of presentin' you."

Nyaunni looked to Aeodhen who shrugged and nodded. "Don' see why not lass. It is your tradition. Might throw Thorin off a bit though. Should I warn him?"

"No, he will be fine, and we are running a bit behind. Just make sure he doesn't kill anyone." Nyaunni sighed as she pulled herself up onto Dajnel's back.

"No promises lass." Aeodhen laughed as he stepped inside.

"This will be exciting. Good luck." Leotti chimed and followed the captain of the guard into the hall before taking her own seat beside Ori, who took her hand as she sat.

"May I assist yeh?" Kudri asked softly. "Up onto yer kinbeast, tha' is."

"A rather unique choice, meh lady." Kravin eyed Dajnel who had her feathers ruffled in agitation, unhappy with all the strangers around her in loud armer. She shifted, her own armer adding to the noise that only caused her more agitation. Before Dajnel acted out, however, Nyaunni quickly intervened by calming her with her gift as best she could, and stroking her neck soothingly. "According to the Mirkwood historians, she is called an aelúg." It was all they needed to know, she certainly owed them no explanation or details on Dajnel, or Uri…who peaked out from under her skirts.

"Is tha' another one?" Kravin knelt low, eyeing the tiny creature who backed up against Nyaunni's layered skirts, chirping indignantly at the stranger who chuckled as he stood and gazed at the dam before him. "Yeh are a true daughter of Uri, aren' yeh? To commune with such creatures, you could be nothin' else."

"Aye, she is. An' one who needs teh get movin'." Kudri urged. "Is there no' a king waitin' for yeh?"

Nyaunni nodded and picked Uri up, placing him on her shoulder. She then moved to pull herself up on Dajnel, but Kudri stepped forward along with Kravin, and the pair assisted in not only getting her up with the layers of skirts and breastplate she wore, but also helped re-arrange said skirts so they flowed perfectly down Dajnel's back. They were a matching set, with their golden armor that shined in the lights of Erebor.

"The king waits." One of the guards leaned out from the hall, then stepped back in, shutting the door."

Both Kudri and Kravin stood, awaiting Nyaunni's orders. After taking a deep breath, Nyaunni nodded. "I am ready."

Immediately, the Firebeard guards marched into position, then burst into the room…causing Nyaunni to cringe as it caused a bit of an uproar inside the hall. She waited, calming Dajnel who stirred from the noise of the three dozen dwarves marching past her, and smiled when Uri chirped in her ear and leaned out to watch…far more excited than Dajnel who seemed to be in a foul mood today…which would not bode well for Thorin.

Speaking of Thorin, she heard her other half began to yell out, and was very near pushing through…until the hall silenced and Kravin presented her name to the hall. It was time for her to enter.

From the moment she entered, Nyaunni only saw Thorin. She smiled widely, mouthing an apology as she gestured her head to the guards she passed on her way to him. Thorin just lifted a brow, but returned her smile. She had never seen him look so regal.

Normally, Thorin traversed Erebor looking like the other dwarves. He never bothered with wearing his crown, or the fine fur lined robes with long trains that Thror often wore even in the warmer seasons. Though he, and the family did ware well-made clothes that fit their station and titles, they were never over encumbered with gems, jewels, or elaborate furs. Thorin had said those were for special occasions, and really not practical or comfortable for everyday duties. He sometimes had to get into the thick of work deep in the mountain, or help at a forge in a moments notice. He needed to be able to jump in when needed without worrying about his attire getting in the way.

Now Dis, Dis did wear her circlet around now and again, but she too typically kept to everyday attire as well, saying it was easier to catch dwarflings running amuck in her class when she kept it simple. And Nyaunni quickly learned that neither Viltarra nor Tauriel loved to be over adorned with anything.

However tonight, tonight she was looking at the royal family in their finest; from Dis, all the way down to Finli…and Thorin…Thorin looked every bit the king he was. As he watched her approach, his eyes sparkled with delight; a true king waiting for his queen.

Thorin's breath was taken away by the being riding towards him. There she was, the dam he had loved even when he was a mere child, even after being apart from her for over one-hundred and seventy years, even though they have both been through pain, trauma, and horrors in their life. Here they were, as if fate had ordered they end up together.

Suddenly Thorin felt as if he had yet another thing to thank Tauriel for. This should not be his life; he ruined his life because he was selfish, proud, and could not resist the power of the stone calling him, nor his need for the vast treasure at the heart of Erebor. He should be dead, in his ancestors' halls, with all those he took down with him; with his nephews…the sons he took from his sister who had no other true family…only to lead them all to their demise, and to leave his beloved sister completely alone.

Without Tauriel's sacrifice returning them to life…would Nyaunni and Minam even have been found? Or would she still be in the servitude of orcs and goblins until her days ended and she came before Mahal for final judgment. Thorin knew that he will never be able to repay Tauriel for everything her choice, and her love for Kili, had actually given him.

Thorin waited for Nyaunni to stop Dajnel before him, and took a few steps towards the feathered dragonlike creature. He knew about this part, the part where Dajnel had to 'accept' him. It was a bit…odd…to Thorin that he had to get some creature to give their blessing…a creature who may or may not have been one of Thorin's biggest supporters. Dajnel did not dislike the dwarven king per say, but she sensed that part of the reason Nyaunni was not around her as often as she was accustomed to…was his fault.

At least, that is what Nyaunni had told him after the creature nearly bit him when he was in the stables with her the other day. Truth be told, she was just an animal to Thorin, so he thought it to be a bit absurd…but it was not only her clan tradition…but Nyaunni's connection to her first father made it all the more special.

So here Thorin was, placing a hand out and waiting for a dragon to accept it. Mahal, it is a wonder how far he has come to be doing such a thing.

Dajnel snorted at first, shaking her head and looking at Thorin's outstretched hand…and despite the shear amount of dwarves in attendance…the room was silent. After what felt like a lifetime, slowly, Dajnel reached her nose forward and pressed it into Thorin's hand.

"The kinsbeast has accepted the match. Uri, gives his blessing." Kravin smiled and bowed again, then took his place with the others in the aisle.

Dajnel purred as Thorin scratched her head, then she lowered herself so Thorin could help Nyaunni down…deciding he could care less whether or not he was supposed to let others do it. Before he even got to her, however, the aelúg version of Uri started chirping the moment he saw Thorin, trying to get to him by attempting to climb down Nyaunni's skirts.

"I think, he approves as well." Dain laughed heartily, the room joining in as Thorin caught Uri. He huffed and shook his head at the hatchling, then placed him on the ground so he could help his bride who was laughing merrily still atop Dajnel…which did make him smile.

Naurfaer quickly jogged forward to not only snag the tiny aelúg who was running about Thorin's feet, but also to hold Dajnel's lead so he can move her off to a cleared space where she would remain for the rest of the ceremony. He had offered to do it for Nyaunni prior to the ceremony when the bride to be wondered where her beloved Dajnel would go once she finished her part. Naurfaer was happy to take the task of moving her out of the way of the viewing guests, and they prepared a place for her in the open area before the steps up to the royal suites. Nyaunni even brought in some apples for Dajnel to eat as she waited to be taken back to the stables likely by Oklan once the ceremony was complete.

Now Uri, Uri was still too small to be in the stables, so he would just be staying with the family until the end of the feast, when again, Naurfaer offered to take him so Nyaunni and Thorin could have some time just to themselves. Which both Nyaunni and Thorin accepted with deep gratitude.

Once Nyaunni was down, with the help of her very own dwarven king, and Dajnel led back behind the family by Naurfaer who retook his spot beside Bilbo with Uri still on his shoulders…Thorin walked Nyaunni to Dain, who was watching Thorin with amused interest; he was supposed to wait and be given away by his family…not retrieve his own bride. However, it seemed this was how they were beginning, so Dain just went with it, calling Dis forward to present Thorin to Nyaunni, and to accept Nyaunni into their house.

Dis shook her head and chuckled under her breath…leave it to Thorin to do as he pleases in his own wedding. "Metal is formed and bonded, as are our ones. It is of great importance when you give a great treasure, that you understand it's worth to appreciate its value." She took both Thorin and Nyaunni's hands. Nyaunni had no family to give her away…and yet she did. They were both her family…her brother…and her sister. "I can see the worth of both of these great treasures before me, and their value exceeds all the treasure in this world…and the next combined. Like stone and mountain, you two were made for each other. Our fathers are here today…"

Dis swallowed the lump in her throat…she had not seen her father in over a century…but she felt him here. And she knew, she knew with all that she was, that Draupnir was here as well. Both where here to see their son, and their daughter, come together just as they had predicted they would. "…they are here…" Dis continued, "…because they saw something in you both, a connection, that even a blind dwarf could see. May I add to that blessing, that for every year of pain you endured to get to this point, you get five years of peace and joy." She squeezed their hands and looked to Dain.

"Great Mahal, I see the worth of what stands before me, and to her, I present my house, my hearth, and my brother." Dis let a tear of happiness fall. "Finding your one is a beautiful gift from our maker. Never take a day you have in this world with them for granted."

Thorin squeezed her hand and leaned forward, kissing his sister on the brow. Then Nyaunni pressed her own head to Dis's, whispering her gratitude to the dam who was now her sister.

Tauriel shifted as she watched Dis, trying to keep the smile on her face as she did everything she could to block out what was happening inside her, and to keep it from filtering to Kili. That is the last thing she needs right now. She…was in trouble. If what she was feeling was what she thought it was…her son has decided to come early. Valar above…now was not the time. Breathe, Tauriel….she told herself as she looked to her sister…who had a drop of sweat falling down her forehead, while Fili was rubbing her back, giving her worried glances.

Lucky for her, Kili seemed engrossed in Finli who was trying to do a runner to Toki who was making faces at him from the balcony just above them. "Finli, shh." Kili softly requested as his son wiggled and pushed at his father in an attempt to get down, and nearly succeeded; luckily Kili was both stronger and faster, so he was able to hold his son in place.

"Down…please…" Finli huffed, but Kili did not release him.

"No Fin, you stay with da, okay? You can play with Toki later."

It was a rather amusing scene…as it was gaining some interest from the group…and even more so when Finli finally wiggled enough to escape Kili's grasp, then ran straight to Thorin…which was who he went to when in the rare event, he did not get what he wanted from his parents. "Pop, Toki…play?" He pointed his little hand up to the balcony where it seemed Toki was getting a talking to from his father Gronti, who only just realized the entire scene was because the toddler was reacting to his own son…a toddler who was not old enough to understand the significance of what was going on in front of him and just wanted to play.

Thorin looked to Nyaunni who was trying to hold in her laughter, and Dis as she tsked and tutted while grabbing her grandson before he could make more of a scene. "Come on my little darling. Pop is busy. We will play later."

"No! POP!" Finli wailed until Tauriel realized she had missed entirely what was happening and moved to take her son…who did go to her.

"Mama. Play."

"Shh, my little star, now is not the time. Come stay with mama, okay?" Finli blinked away his tears, and lay his head on her shoulder sending her waves of despair. It was extremely uncomfortable and difficult for her to be standing, and holding her son…but he finally calmed in her arms and she forced her focus on the ceremony, shaking her head at Kili when he asked if she wanted him to take Fin. "Just let him be for now."

With Finli seemingly calmed, Dain decided to move on, continuing in khuzdul. "These two come together this day to be bonded and their souls merged as one. Who here stands as a witness?"

Fili took his wife's hand and pulled her forward. "We do."

"As…as….oh…" Viltarra blinked as her ears began to ring after she felt a tightening deep within her. She was fine…she swears she was fine…but she does not feel so fine now. Suddenly the room felt too bright, too warm, and too small. She hated public speaking.

"Nunguame?" Fili whispered.

Viltarra looked up at his blue eyes, eyes filled with concern; then she looked out to the hundreds of dwarves in attendance….a mix of Firebeards, Nyaunni's friends from Minam, the company, a wizard, and others all staring at her. It was overwhelming. She reached her hand out for Hiril, but remembered her warg was laying beside her father and mother…who sat at the end of the front row next to Leotti and Ori.

Shaking her head, and forcing her heart to calm before she stressed herself into labor, Viltarra apologized. "I am fine." She took a deep breath and tried again. "As we stand before you today, great Mandos…MAHAL…" She corrected, her cheeks reddened and Fili rubbed her back comfortingly. "…great Mahal, we offer ourselves as witnesses in the joining of these two souls…and these two clans."

"The clans were created and formed to be a great strength to the dwarven people." Fili took over. This was a unique part, a bit different than his or Kili's wedding…because neither were marrying into another clan. If Kili or he had married daughters of lords in another clan…they would have had this as a part of their wedding…but they did not. Even Viltarra's ancestry, surprisingly enough, all came from the Longbeard clan. Sure they were nomads and did not hold all the traditions…but they were of the same clan as evidence in their family line Vin and Tarrah had presented to Balin during their initial registry to gain permanent residency in Erebor.

Tauriel…well…Tauriel was adopted into the Longbeards…but really had no clan because she was…well…an elf. But Nyaunni was a first daughter of Uri, a Firebeard from birth. So it had to be addressed in the ceremony…especially if Thorin does indeed end up merging the clans.

"Today, before you, two great clan leaders come together to combine their houses, Uri, and Durin, Firebeard and Longbeard, King, and Queen. Great Mahal, we stand as a witness, to declare that we stand behind the union of these to souls, and their houses, for they are stronger as one. With our own eyes, we see the love, strength, and honor held by both, our uncle, and she who now and forever will be his one. Our family, is stronger with you in it, Nyaunni."

"And our hearts are fuller with your union." Viltarra added, slipping her fingers into Fili's. She felt her heart slowing, knowing that was all she had to say, and allowed Fili to pull her away so Tauriel and Kili could prepare the rings. She placed a hand on her stomach when her child gave a kick of displeasure…probably unhappy with all the emotions filling her system.

Dain gave Viltarra a smile as she stepped away, and waited patiently for them to get back to their original positions before continuing. "I, Mahal, bless the merging of this pair, and their clans. Who comes forward to bond this pair as one?"

"GOLD!" Finli called out, holding up a bar he had pulled from his mother's pocket…causing the room to erupt with laughter.

Thorin chuckled. He watched as Kili helped Tauriel lower Finli to the floor and took his hand, the one not grasping the gold block. He was a bit concerned Tauriel was barely reacting, but the ceremony will be over soon and when it was…he was ordering her as her king, to sit down!

Kili looked at his wife, waiting for her to speak, but she remained tight lipped and he took a split second to follow their connection to figure out what in the name of Mahal was going on…and he…for what felt like the first time…met a stone wall. She was hiding something from him, and it hurt deeply that she was. But right now was not the time to say anything, so he covered for her quickly. "We come as one to give our blessing, and with this gold, bind them." He took the second gold bar from his own pocket and knelt to the ground on his knees before his son.

"Can you give these to cousin Dain, my little star?" Kili handed his own brick to his son who now held one in each hand. Finli's large, brown, eyes stared at the gold, then at his father before Kili gave him a gentle push forward, and he scurried to Dain…who chuckled and squatted to receive both gold bricks from the toddler who smiled up at him.

"Good lad." Dain ruffled Finli's wild hair and stood, addressing the hall as he spoke. "With this gold, I bind these great houses as one!"

Dain placed the gold in the already prepared smelter and waited as it formed the rings. Within minutes of being formed, he pulled them once they cooled and passed them over to Kili. Kili gave each ring a polish and an expert inspection, looking for any impurities he already knew were not there as he removed debris from the engraved design.

These were not the plain bands he nor his brother had…these were a bit different. Since Kili was the one to create the molds, he decided to add some etchings and engraved symbols of both the house of Durin, and the house of Uri into the mold so when the gold was poured, both rings would be imprinted with the design he made.

Of course, he had spoken to his mam about it, seeking her thoughts on doing something not commonly done. But after seeing his designs, Dis kissed him on the head and deemed them a perfect suggestion; even insisting he do it.

"Before I make this official, the king wishes to say a few words." Dain stepped back as Thorin nodded and held Nyaunni's hands, pulling her close and simply taking her in for a moment.

"Nya. Mahal knows I thought I would never find myself standing before anyone in a ceremony such as this, because the only one I ever saw myself with…was you. Every memory I have with you before Smaug, is burned into my heart, and kept me fighting when I was tired. They kept me from giving up, because I knew you were there, somewhere, asking me if wolves give up when they fail in a hunt? Or if a bird who falls from the tree, should give up trying to fly? You and your animals." Thorin shook his head as he pressed his brow to hers.

Of course, Nyaunni was laughing as tears fell from her eyes. "Was I wrong?"

Thorin shook his head no. "I stand here today, in part, because of those silly childhood rebukes. They never left me, Nya, because part of you never left me. I cannot guarantee our life will be perfect, but I promise you, it will be filled with family, support, and love. I am king of an entire race, head of the family, but I am yours, Nyaunni." He lifted his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb tracing the visible scar. Yet for the first time, Nyaunni still felt beautiful.

"I was born into love." Nyaunni sighed softly. "With my father, your family, and among our people…I knew nothing but warmth and kindness. Then it was stolen from me, and I spent two lifetimes of man in a place where love was nothing but a distant memory to all who dwelled there. It was beat out of us, and forced from our hearts as we endured unspeakable trials of pain and sorrow. I never thought I would find it again…I feared it never even existed and was nothing but a vision I made up." She pressed their heads further together and breathed Thorin in.

"I have never been so happy I was wrong. I feel that love again, the love of a family, the love of our people, and most importantly, your love. Just as you are mine, Thorin, I am entirely yours."

Dain smiled at the pair who was caught up in each other, but seemingly finished. So he decided it was time to bring this to a close. "If there be anyone in this room, who speaks against this union…voice it now…or remain silent henceforth and forever."

As his uncle and Nyaunni were speaking, Kili picked Finli up and pushed him into Naurfaer's arms then pulled Tauriel a bit into the shadows just beside Bilbo, not too far as to miss anything happening but enough out of the way not to draw attention. "What are you hiding from me?" He muttered through clenched teeth.

"Nothing." Tauriel quickly responded, irritation in her tone. But than a look of deep sorrow filled Kili's face and she immediately felt horrible for what she had been doing. Communication…she was hiding things from him again and doing it on purpose. She promised him she would communicate with him, and open herself to him…the good and the bad.

So with a deep, very deep, breath, Tauriel leaned into her husband. "Are you certain, you wish to know?" Kili gave her a look and Tauriel sighed. "Brace yourself, meleth nin." The moment the words came from her mouth was the moment Dain addressed the room. The timing, could not have been worse because the moment Tauriel re-opened the door to their bond, Kili let out a yelp and nearly fell to the floor.

"Kili!" Dis berated softly.

"Lad?" Dain looked to the young prince. It was required that any outburst be addressed before he could officially declare Thorin and Nyaunni a married pair.

Kili ignored his family as he stared at his wife who had her eyes closed. "Tauriel? Is this…" She did not answer vocally, but nodded.

"Kili?" Dain asked again, the entire room had their eyes on him, and it was only then that he realized what he had done.

"I'm so sorry uncle, Nya. I was surprised, that is all. Please, continue. I have no objections whatsoever." Kili gave Thorin and Nyaunni an apologetic look before going back to Tauriel and placing a palm on her cheek and leaning into her ear. "Just breathe. As soon as the room starts to clear, I will grab Oin. He is just there…see? It will be alright." Tauriel nodded and took his hand, squeezing it as the pain worsened for a moment, then stopped….giving her a chance to take a breath again.

Dain eyed the pair with a bit of worry, but shook it off for the time being and decided why not finish in the common language. "Alright. Than, if nobody has anythin' more teh say…then with these rings I hold, and the authority I have as Lord of the Iron Hills, an' close cousin teh our high king, I forever bind this pair, as one. Mahal bless this great union, an' when their time here is done…than may Mahal usher them in with a great feast to the halls of our great ancestors. May your years be as rich and joyous as yeh both deserve. Mahal bless yeh, cousins."

Dain took a bounding step forward and placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "Guess I can say, yeh can kiss her now."

Thorin rolled his eyes and waited for Dain to step back, then took Nyaunni's face in his large hands. "My queen." He huskily whispered before he pulled her lips to his in a searing kiss.

The room FILLED with cheers as every dwarf and dam stood and shouted, "Long live the king! Long live the queen!"

"Now…LETS FEAST!" Dain called out after the chanting had gone on for several minutes. "TO THE DINING HALL!" Dwarves immediately began piling out of the room giving the family their allotted time together before entering the feast, Dain joining the company in ushering the dwarves to the celebration for Nyaunni and Thorin.

With the hall clearing, the family all turned to Kili who looked rather pale even compared to his fair wife. "Kili…" Dis stepped towards her son, but he shook his head and looked to Tauriel who spoke softly.

"My water broke."

"WHAT!" Thorin yelled out, Nyaunni lifting her skirts as she moved swiftly to the eleth. "And when were you going to tell us?! Mahal. OIN!"

"Oh my…" Bilbo stuttered. "Now…now let's not panic…let's just…keep our heads about us…what do we do!?"

Fili rolled his eyes, grabbing Bilbo by the arm as he began to pace. "We don't panic. Like you said."

"Said the one panicking every time I moved last night." Viltarra lifted a brow at her husband who snickered but kissed her head.

"Right…don't panic." Bilbo nodded. "Then what?"

"We will find Oin." Tarrah whispered to Fili who nodded as both she and Vin turned and swiftly begin searching the crowd for Tauriel's healer who had somehow disappeared among the hundreds of dwarves seated on the bottom level. He must have not seen what was happening, which Fili could not blame him since he was seated closer to the aisle. In hindsight, they should have put Oin where he could get to Tauriel and Viltarra if something were to happen…but both Tauriel and Viltarra swore they were fine so nobody thought to have the healer accessible.

"It is going to be okay, dear." Dis soothed. She looked about the hall still filled with dwarves and began muttering curses. It would take at least a quarter hour to get just the bottom level cleared so they could get out. "BOFUR!" She yelled when she saw the signature hat bobbing among the crowds in the aisle. "GET THIS FLOOR CLEARED!"

The dwarf nodded, but didn't think anything of it outside the family wanting the feast to begin promptly. The Firebeards guards helped as well, joining the Ereborian force to direct lingering dwarves out of the room. This, was going to be a mess.

"Amad…I am alright…" Tauriel tried, but Dis ignored her, stepping down to begin shooing dwarves out herself. Uri, who had climbed off Naurfaer while the taller elf held Finli, was now at Dis's feet, making tiny roar like noises at dwarves almost as if he was mimicking Dis's rebukes.

Finding the situation a bit amusing, the grey wizard with many names stood simply observing the family. "How exciting. How very exciting. A wedding, and a birth. I did choose the right time to come for a visit." Gandalf chuckled. "Perhaps, my lady elf, you should take a seat."

Tauriel sighed; she knew there would be some upset once she told them. "I am fine…"

"FINE?! Tauriel your water broke!" Thorin growled. "We need to get you to the healing hall. Where the bloody war axe is Oin?!"

Tauriel rolled her eyes even as Nyaunni and Kili guided her to the throne to sit, as Gandalf suggested. "My pains are still quite a bit apart, and have not sped up since it broke. I believe we still have time."

"Wait…Tauri…when did it break?" Fili stared at his sister, who bit her lip.

"Starlight?" Naurfaer held Finli, looking at his granddaughter with worry.

"At the beginning of the ceremony." Tauriel finally responded.

"Wha' is goin' on?" Oin, followed closely by Vin and Tarrah, came all but running down the carpeted center aisle of the golden floored room. Many of the dwarves had quickly caught onto the fact that something was happening at the front, which caused them to slow down and linger as they attempted to get inside information on the drama near the throne. Before he assessed the situation himself, the healer paused and looked at the loitering dwarves still clogging up the hall's main floor. "Ain' nothin' teh see! Off with yeh or lose a seat at the feast!"

Considering no dwarf in their right mind would want to miss a feast, let alone the feast following the wedding of their king…the groups who held back were once again moving with the crowd towards the massive door…though they did so slowly.

"Oin, Tauri's water broke at the beginning of the ceremony…and she only just now decided to inform us." Fili glared at his sister who glared right back…at least until the pain took over again and she closed her eyes until it passed. At least, she was sitting now.

"That…is uncomfortable." Kili mumbled and took her hand. He had felt worse, and gone through worse, but it did not make it any easier. "As soon as that aisle clears, let's get you to Oin's halls, love. We can talk about withholding things again later."

"I'm sorry Kili. I did it again, didn't I? I failed you once more." Kili felt the sadness leak through her pain and met it with love. She did not need to be berated…not right now.

"Can you walk?" Kili tucked a stray hair behind her ear, his hand resting on the side of her face as she nodded. "Alright." Turning to his family, Kili sighed. "When the crowd is gone, go ahead to the feast. I will take Tauriel up to the healing halls with Oin, and when things progress, we will send someone down to let you know."

"No Ki, we will be up there with you." Fili looked to his wife who nodded.

But Oin shook his head and snorted. "I think yeh ought teh go eat somethin' an' enjoy wha' yeh can of the party. If it looks like she is close…we'll send word. No point in crowdin' up my office fer no reason at all bu' teh loiter around waitin' fer somthin' tha' won' happen until it do."

"Are you sure Kili? Nâtha?" Thorin asked gently, ignoring Oin completely. The frustration he felt mostly for his stubborn adopted elven daughter was still there, but it had, for the most part, now turned to worry.

Tauriel nodded. "Go. Eat. Celebrate for me."

Thorin sighed, rubbing his hands through his beard as he looked to Nyaunni who was on Tauriel's other side, then to Dis. "Go ahead Thorin. I will go with her and Kili and personally come retrieve you if something happens."

"I will be up there as well." Naurfaer added. "I am not leaving your side, starlight, not until I have to." He smiled at his granddaughter who nodded.

"Fine." Thorin finally relented. "But the moment her labor gets worse, I want to be informed. Do you want me to take Finli?"

"No." Tauriel quickly replied. "I want you to enjoy the feast in you and Nyaunni's honor. Today is your wedding. I do apologize for putting a splinter in it, it was never my intention to ruin your day, Nyaunni, Thorin. He is not to come for two weeks…I do not understand why he is coming so early. He should not be ready to enter this world…I wanted today to be special for you, adad…you have been through so much, you deserve your day…you too Nyaunni. Both of you deserve your day."

Thorin walked up to Tauriel and knelt at her feet, smiling softly as he took her hand. "Nâtha…the feast tonight is special, you have ruined nothing. In fact…I think the gift you will give me quite soon will supersede any apart from being tied to Nyaunni. Another grandson, born on the day I married my one, is the greatest of gifts. Now go, and know today is only better for this gift." He placed a hand on her unborn son, feeling the contraction as he did and giving her an apologetic look as she closed her eyes and Kili stiffened…though neither made a sound.

"KRAVIN!" Nyaunni yelled out, the guard at the end of the crowd turning to run up to her.

"Aye, my lady?"

"We have a situation and that crowd is not moving fast enough. Get whatever guards you can to clear this hall, now!"

"Aye, my lady." Kravin instantly nodded. "MAKE WAY!" He yelled, pulling aside one of Erebor's guards who looked up. It happened to be Braundee who was on duty, which was lucky for the royal family, since she knew of Tauriel's condition. It only took her a second to look up at the front to make the connection and she began yelling out.

"CLEAR OUT, ALL OF YA!" Braundee bellowed pushing dwarves towards the door. "OI!" She stopped before a dam who was standing at the center of the aisle, staring at the royal family. "I SAID MOVE IT! ARE YEH DEAF?!" The startled dam quickly moved and between Kravin, Braundee, and several guards, they were able double the speed of the dwarves leaving the hall.

"Come. Let's ge' you into a bed, lass." Oin said gently helping Tauriel rise then urging her and Kili out of the hall. "An' let's take the back way…seems clear enough now. It is a wee bit longer of a walk, bu' we don' need the mountain making a fuss until an announcement has been made. Though I think a few 'ave a good idea of wha' is happenin' already."

"Aye, good idea Oin. Thank you." Thorin nodded as the final tier finally got to the main level, the dwarves leaving the hall in a much faster pace now that his and Nyaunni's guards were more involved along with Bofur who had gone up on the higher levels trying to keep the masses moving. Where the rest of the company was, Thorin could only guess…likely already at the feast.

Nyaunni took Thorin's hand as Naurfaer and Dis followed Tauriel, Kili, and Oin through the now empty side hall and out a hidden door that previously had a bench pulled in front of it where several dwarves only just vacated. "I do hope she will be alright."

"Me too." Thorin agreed. "We should go."

"Are you sure? We can go up to the healing hall?" Nyaunni suggested as Dajnel meandered over to her and nuzzled her hair. Sighing, Nyaunni looked around the room as she grabbed the lead dragging on the ground with her free hand. "Oklan must have been swept away, or caught up. I really should put her away before joining the feast."

"A truly magnificent creature, you have there." Gandalf said with a hint of awe that surprised Thorin. "An aelúg, if I am not mistaken?" Nyaunni nodded but Thorin lifted a brow.

"You know of them?" The dwarven king asked, eyeing the wizard who nodded as he reached forward to run his fingers over the feathers on Dajnel's neck, then squatted to tap Uri on the nose.

"Indeed, but in a limited sense I am afraid." Gandalf stood as Nyaunni moved to pluck Uri off the ground. "Most of what I know, has come from readings. From what I have been told, these creatures are quite regrettably few and far between in middle earth this age, especially in these parts. But in the second age, they ruled the skies and the seas in more than one part of Arda."

"What was it like?" Nyaunni asked in awe as she retook Thorin's hand while allowing Uri to climb onto her shoulder.

"Oh. Well. I am afraid I do not know. I arrived here in middle earth at the dawn of the third age by boat. That, I am sorry to say, is beyond my time in this world." Gandalf gave her an apologetic look. "But…I feel as if there is something I am quite forgetting about them." He inspected Dajnel then Uri, as if trying to recall something that just seemed to keep flitting away from his minds grasp. So he shook his head and hummed. "As of now, I am afraid to say, all I can relay with a surety, is that sightings are far more frequent in the Hither Lands across the great sea. My travels, however, do not take me there, so that is the limit of my knowledge."

Nyaunni could not help but feel a little disappointed, but she nodded. "I can only imagine the wonder of the world that held more magic, and mystery than the one we live in now."

"And do not forget, war, deceit, and death. Those were times of both great wonder, my lady queen, and great pain." Gandalf murmured softly to the group.

"Well, then I for one, am content with my life here and now, thank you." Bilbo chuckled, the royal family and wizard following suit. "Now, I must say, that feast smells…" Bilbo closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, his entire being turning towards the door where both the sounds and the smells of the feast wafted into the throne hall. "…far too enchanting to put off any longer. I think, with your permission, I would like to excuse myself."

"I think I shall join you, master Baggins." Gandalf smiled. "We have intruded quite long enough on a time meant just for your family. Come my friend, I would very much like to hear how you have been doing these last few years I have been away."

Thorin shook his head at the wizard who was already heading down the now blessedly empty aisle. He should not be surprised by now, that Gandalf had an idea of some of their traditions. Where he learned them, Thorin did not know nor did he care. After all…he himself taught both their sacred language and all of their traditions to an elf…so who is he to judge.

"Why don't Fili and I put Dajnel away for you, Nyaunni." Viltarra suggested once the visiting hobbit and wizard left the hall. "That way you and Thorin can go get the feast started. I am sure they are all waiting for you…or at least most of them. Mama, da, you go ahead as well. We should not be long."

"Are you sure gem? You seemed a bit out of it earlier as well. Maybe you should have Oin take a look at you too." Tarrah brushed her daughter's cheek gently as she leaned forward to kiss her head, but Viltarra rolled her eyes, her face flushing with embarrassment.

"I can assure you, that…had nothing to do with pregnancy. I just forgot what I was supposed to say and got a bit…flustered. That is all." Viltarra felt beyond mortified she had suddenly forgotten the few words she had to say. It was not even all that many lines she was given; she just hated having to speak in front of others.

"Don't say that, you did well, nunguame. Nobody is upset or ashamed of you." Fili pulled her against him, wrapping his arms around her and his unborn child. "I think you were perfect."

"Perfect? Fili…despite spending hours practicing with both you and Tauriel, I was still a stuttering mess and nearly had to ask for assistance in recalling my rather small part." Viltarra huffed but remained securely in his arms as the family fully disagreed.

"Nearly…perhaps…but the fact is…you didn't have to ask. Which means you are far better than you give yourself credit for, gem." Vin gave her a smile.

"Aye. It takes time to be comfortable in front of crowds, Viltarra. You should give yourself a little room for error now and again." Thorin looked to Nyaunni who wholeheartedly agreed.

"Look..." Nyaunni added. "...not everyone was born into a situation where they are constantly exposed to roles involving interaction with large groups. You stayed where you were, you did not give up, and in the end, you remembered precisely what you had to say. That is all we can ask for. To me, everything was perfect, from the guards announcing me in…" Nyaunni looked to Thorin who grumbled about being king and still being out of the loop. But as he said nothing, she continued. "…all the way down to Finli's little tantrum. It brought color and definition to the ceremony, and it made special memories we will all laugh about one day. Though...I do wish Tauriel would have not endured such pain for us."

Thorin's eyes instantly narrowed as a deep growl radiated from his chest. "She, will be the cause of many more silver hairs on my head." He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head in frustration. "You mark my words, if Kili did not have the ability to relay her pain, she would have remained tight lipped about it until the last second."

Fili nodded. "Tauri, would have born her babe herself just to ensure she was not inconveniencing anyone." He dropped his head as sorrow filled him. "Ki said she went through a lot in Mirkwood before she...well...you know. Before the war. So though I do not agree with how she handles her own pains and sorrows...I think I can understand why she does what she does."

"The poor girl." Tarrah nodded. "She must not have had the support she needed in her tender years, to believe such things."

"She didn't." Thorin's eyes darkened. "But she does now. We really should move this along. I want to ensure we make at least an appearance at the feast, then, I want to check on my daughter before we retire. Fili, are you sure you are alright with taking Dajnel to the stables? I could call Oklan; I am quite surprised he is not here now, in fact."

"It's fine uncle, honestly, I don't mind. My mind is really on Tauriel right now anyway. I hope that doesn't upset either of you. I know it is your and aunty Nya's day, but..."

"Say no more, Fili." Thorin smiled softly, patting his eldest nephew on the shoulder. "I am not in the least bit offended, I am afraid to admit I feel no different. Nyaunni?"

"I completely agree, Thorin. A new grandchild for my wedding...apart from getting to marry my closest friend I thought I lost, I do not think I could receive a better gift. New life is never something to regret, not on any day." The red-headed dam wrapped her arm around Thorin's as she smiled at Fili. "And thank you, nephew, for taking care of Dajnel. Oklan must be caught up, or he would be here."

Fili beamed at her and with Viltarra still in his arms, he leaned over and pecked Nyaunni on the cheek. "I am always happy to help. Oh, and welcome to the family, aunty Nya."

"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you?" Vin asked before turning towards the door.

"No, we will be fine. Go ahead, we will be there in just a bit." Viltarra assured her father. She pulled away from Fili and took the lead to Dajnel. "Coming, Fili?"

"In just a moment." Turning to his uncle and new aunt, Fili first wrapped his arms around his uncle, who Nyaunni released as the crowned prince stepped towards them. "I am so, so happy for you uncle. Congratulations of the warmest kind."

Fili felt his uncle tighten his grip on him before releasing Fili and stepping back. Next Fili opened his arms to Nyaunni. "I mean it, welcome officially to our family, Nyaunni. We feel complete with you here." Fili pulled away but took her hand. "And I don't just say that for me. This time was supposed to be a time for the family to have a moment as we embrace what has happened. But you know Ki and Tauri...always trying to one-up everything." Fili laughed, though Thorin did not look amused.

"Your sister is in pain; a little compassion is in order." Thorin huffed, folding his arms in irritation.

"Rude, Fili." Viltarra glared at her husband. "It is not as if she could help it."

Fili looked between them, then at Vin and Tarrah who looked equally unamused so the young prince shook his head, lifting his hands in a placating manner. "I was joking, I know Tauri would never do anything like this on purpose."

"It wasn't funny in the least bit. It is little quips like that which likely keep her from sharing her concerns and issues with others. You yourself just said she went through a lot in Mirkwood…don't you think she possibly had to endure a lifetime of such callused words?" Viltarra growled. "Perhaps, think, before you speak."

"You are right, nunguame, of course. I really didn't mean it at all, I know she went through...way more than she should have under Thranduil. I mean…it doesn't take much to even get an idea of what living with him is like. We have all spent time with the elven king…we all know how he is. Can you imagine a single lifetime with him as your sole guardian…let alone six centuries?" There was a collective shudder from all six dwarves in the hall. Fili chuckled, kissing his wife's head before looking back at his aunt and uncle. "Tauri doesn't deserve what I said, I was completely in the wrong, you are all correct. What I wanted to say, is we are all happy to finally have you in the family, aunty Nyaunni."

"And I could not be happier to join all of you, nephew." Nyaunni replied. "But really, we ought to go before they send a search party for us. I have a feeling if Dis was not otherwise occupied, she would be having a field day with how long we are taking to join our own feast."

"Alright. We will join you in a bit." Fili grinned and nodded watching as his wife shuttered at the thought of a rampaging Dis...Nyaunni was definitely not wrong about that. Fili took Viltarra's hand just as she patted her leg for Hiril to follow…though as they made their way to the door, they were both yanked to an abrupt stop as Dajnel refused to budge.

Nyaunni laughed. "Sorry about that." She had been patting her aelúg who was not interested in leaving Nyaunni anytime soon. "Go on you." She gave Dajnel a push towards the door, urging her forward with her gift and finally, the feathered fellbeast began to move and Nyaunni watched her go.

The dam then turned to Thorin and smiled. "Well, shall we go as well?"

Thorin rubbed his chin and nodded, holding his arm up for her to take…which she did…and the two remaining couples made their way to the hall that was already bursting with food and life. A cheer echoed through the room as Nyaunni and Thorin walked in…and the company stood and waited for them to take their places at the same table. Even Gandalf and Bilbo were already enjoying the exuberance around them.

"I was worried, and almost came back in to get you. But they said I should leave you be." Bilbo said as Thorin passed, clapping him fondly on the shoulder. "We didn't tell anyone of...you know what. Gandalf and I thought you would like to give the news yourself." He whispered and Thorin nodded gratefully. Thorin did want to be the one to share the news…when he was ready to.

"Aye…it is tradition lad to let the family have a private moment." Dain loudly proclaimed, already filling his plate with food now that Thorin and Nyaunni were there.

Thorin rolled his eyes at his cousin…who ALSO should have stayed considering he is family. But they do have their own way of following traditions in the Iron Hills, just as they do in most other clans. Even though the Iron Hills were in fact part of the Longbeard clan…it did not mean Dain ran things in his halls the same way Thorin ran things in Ered Luin or Erebor.

Nonetheless, Dain was a good leader. Thorin looked to his cousin who was grinning and clunking his mug against Nyaunni's and nodding to Thorin before he took a long draw. Dain would have been next in line…if they were not returned to middle earth from the halls of the dead. He would have been a good king, Dain. If Thorin had to leave his people in anyone's hands…he would have left them in Dain's. Dain is a good dwarf, a good friend, and leads honorably. He is also a dwarf who loves his people, his clan, and his family.

That being said, Thorin is immensely grateful that he was given a second chance to continue his legacy…to continue the legacy of the sons of Durin. He will honor his makers decision by doing all he can to do what is best for not only Erebor, but his people as well. Thorin's eyes moved from Dain to several tables containing rather thin dwarves…some wore Firebeard armor from the ceremony, while others just had fresh clothes on…likely given to them by the teams working under Balin.

These dwarves have seen some bad times in their life, and as king, Thorin can give them the peace they deserved. It was the right thing to do, and what their maker would want.

His eyes then moved to another table where several of the dwarves from Minam sat together. It was not all of them, as a good portion of them were acclimating well to life in the mountain and had created bonds with the other dwarves...so they were scattered about the room. But some, according to Nyaunni, were still getting used to freedom from orcs. They found comfort in each other, and often spent their days together. Thorin did not blame them, after all they went through. Hopefully in time, both the Firebeards and the dwarves from Minam will find true peace as they shake off the binds of corruption, adversity, and neglect they endured in their lifetimes.

"Now where are our resident elves? And the rest of your family, Thorin? Should think our expectin' mothers would be wantin' food." Dain pulled Thorin from his thoughts as he leaned around Nyaunni towards his silent cousin, a piece of buttered bread in one hand and an overfilled goblet of wine in the other.

Thorin's eyes flicked from Dain to both Bilbo and Gandalf, who both remained silent, then to Vin and Tarrah watching him curiously. He was not so sure how many he wanted appraised of Tauriel's status. She was vulnerable right now, and he had no desire for whisperings to erupt about anything even he was not sure the timing of. "Fili and Viltarra are putting Dajnel away for us." Thorin finally said as he poured Nyaunni some of the sweet wine Bombur had placed on the table.

"Good lad." Dain smiled wide. "Is Kili and Tauriel with 'im then?"

Thorin shook his head, looking to Nyaunni who shrugged as she took a sip of her wine, and picked at her food. Sighing again, Thorin filled his own goblet, mumbling, "Tauriel is in the healing hall along with Dis and Naurfaer; her water broke."

Not looking at his cousin's reaction, Thorin's eyes fell on his company, who was just one table down, laughing merrily. The only ones missing were Oin in the healing hall, and Nori who must have already gone down to the dungeons.

Leotti, along with Gloin's wife and Gimli were with the laughing group, as well as Aeodhen and his family; his children and wife happily partaking of the meal. Although, his eldest daughter seemed a bit withdrawn from the conversation, and kept looking several tables over where Gronti sat with his two sons. The eldest of the two met Hillanna's gaze and smiled wide as their eyes met, her easily returning his grin with one of her own.

Thorin could not help but smile. They must be friends. They are both very young, but he could not help but see himself and Nyaunni in their gazes. Maybe one day, when they are older, they too would find completion in each other. He looked over at Nyaunni who was smiling at him with so much love in her eyes, it was almost overwhelming. But before he could say anything to her, Dain leaned around Nyaunni once more to nudge him in the shoulder.

"Eh cousin? Wha' was tha' yeh said? Tauriel is givin' birth?" Dain blinked then looked to the four empty seats down the table between Thorin and Tarrah, then at the two seats meant for Naurfaer and Dis. It would certainly account for most the family not being here yet. "An' Viltarra?"

"Is fine." Tarrah chimed in, seeing the dwarven king clearly getting annoyed. "No pains according to her."

Dain huffed and sat back, causing Thorin to lift a brow. He didn't have any desire to ask though. He just wanted to eat, drink, and try to enjoy the celebration in his and Nyaunni's honor…despite his mind being up with his nephew and daughter. He could not help the anticipation of the gift she would bear tonight. By this time tomorrow, he will be holding new life in his arms…that is if he manages to get to his new grandchild before that other elf does...considering said elf was already up there, if Tauriel has a quick delivery than Naurfaer, not Thorin, would be the first to hold their shared grandson. That, made the dwarven king more annoyed than it should on his wedding night. Maybe he should send Naurfaer to the cells as well…just for a night or two.

"Is there a problem Dain?" Nyaunni asked. Thorin groaned and added another helping of roasted elk to his plate…not at all interested in his cousin's moaning's and groanings when he had so much going on around him.

Dain sighed and looked across the room where Bofur's betting station was set up to predict when Viltarra's and Tauriel's due dates would be. "I doubled down an' said they would both go at the same time. Even threw in extra coin tha' it was today."

"Today!? You bet they would both have their children not only early, but on my wedding day?" Thorin growled. "Dain….."

The lord of the Iron Hills only laughed joyously. "Come now Thorin. Yeh know as well as I tha' yer family is on the thrill seekin' side. If anythin' were to happin'…with yer lots luck, it...would be on a day tha' it should not."

"I second that." Gandalf muttered, receiving a glare from the dwarven king but meeting it head on and chuckling.

"Well, I do not see that being good taste." Bilbo declared in Thorin's defense, the dwarven king nodding in gratitude. "But I am quite filled with joy for Tauriel and Kili. Finli is already quite the little treasure."

"Mmmm, he is the spitting image of his father...and rather spirited going off the ceremony." Gandalf hummed. "I am sure you are quite proud, quite proud indeed." He looked to Thorin who nodded as Nyaunni laughed. Then his blue eyes landed on Uri, who had his front two claws on Nyaunni's bowl of fruit while attempting to get a grape...but with some difficulty as it was a rather sizable grape. "Fascinating creatures, aelúg. You know, I now quite recall what I had forgotten regarding their disappearance from these lands." The wizards gaze never left Uri, his eyes boring into the small creature as he spoke. "I have heard some rather dark whisperings that the larger colonies who lived among a subterranean people not far from here, did not in fact, migrate to other shores...rather...they had been changed to something more...worrying."

Taking a draw from her goblet, Nyaunni averted the wizard's eyes completely. "Finli is very well behaved...normally. I for one don't blame a two-year-old for wanting to play. Especially after having been cooped up all morning getting ready for the ceremony." Nyaunni smiled opting to ignore Gandalf's fascination with her hatchling. She did not know this wizard; therefore she was not inclined to give any information to a stranger that could somehow harm her beloved fellbeasts.

It was nice to hear someone refer to them as aelúg outside the elves from Mirkwood, and even have precious knowledge of them prior to the manipulation of their genes. Still, a chill ran up Nyaunni's spine as Gandalf looked at Uri, and she could not help but pick him up off the table and place him in her lap a bit more out of sight. Whatever Gandalf knows, or has heard, would not be confirmed by her.

"I can second what Nyaunni said. Finli is an old soul, if you ask me, and usually does so well with us." Vin chuckled, Tarrah nodding in agreement. "I too cannot fault a two-year-old for wanting to play."

"Nor can I." Thorin agreed wholeheartedly, pulling a smaller grape for Uri who ate it whole while sitting in Nyaunni's lap. Beside him, Nyaunni cut the larger grape into two pieces before giving each piece to Uri, her attention now solely focused on the little creature. "Finli usually just prefers to be with the family." Thorin continued. "It is good to see him reaching out to others."

"As I said in the hall, I personally did not mind the color he brought to our wedding. The entire ceremony was perfect as it was. Every part of it." Nyaunni lifted her eyes from her aelúg and took Thorin's hand, squeezing it tight, his eyes meeting hers as he nodded in agreement. "But I am a bit worried about how long it is taking for Fili and Viltarra to join us. I hope Dajnel is not giving them trouble. Perhaps I should go and see to her..." Nyaunni moved to stand but Thorin held her firm.

"Stay, Nya. I am sure they are fine. Fili may have gone up to check on Tauriel with Viltarra." Thorin was about to call for Aeodhen or Dwalin just below, but Vin stood.

"I got it, Thorin. I will be right back, it looks as if you have gifts to receive." The blonde baker stood and gestured to the line beginning to form before the steps that led up to the family table...dwarves, dams, and dwarflings all waiting with something to give to or share with their king, and new queen.

Thorin nodded to Vin who responded with the same gesture before pecking his wife on the head as he left to find his daughter and her other half.

"Just one more strap..." Fili called out as he lay atop of Dajnel, on his belly, trying to reach a buckle that was stuck. He would have just cut it from the side, but Dajnel had somehow got it caught precariously on her wing and too much tugging or pulling would likely harm her. She did fight him a bit at the beginning, but Oklan pulled a barrel of apples...her favorite food next to fish and ironically...wild turkey...and the aelúg quickly threw her focus into devouring the treat over twisting away from Fili who refused to let Viltarra near just in case she got tripped up by the long, feathered, tail whipping around the ground. Oklan was kneeling underneath Dajnel, holding up the bottom portion of armor so it would not pull any further on her wing than it was.

Finally, after a few minutes of cutting straps, Fili yelled out a triumphant, "GOT IT!"

Oklan let the armor fall to the ground as Fili slid off her back. Now freed, Dajnel lifted her head from the barrel and shook out her entire body, then pressed her nose into Fili's face...likely in gratitude as the young prince chuckled and patted her neck. She stretched her winged arm then immediately went back to her barrel of apples without a sound.

"I can take it from here lad." Oklan smiled, patting Fili on the back. "I really appreciate the help. I meant teh retrieve her meself, bu' we had a situation with a sick bull. Had teh pu' him down I am afraid, before he passed it teh the other animals. I only jus' let everyone in the stables go an' enjoy the feast...figurin' I can ge' this lovely lady handled when she was brought in...glad yeh were here though…with tha' wing stuck…I would no' have been able to fix it meself."

Fili grabbed an apple that fell from the barrel, and threw it up in the air before catching it again. "No problem, Oklan. Happy to help. Are you coming to the feast?"

"In a bit." The old stable hand nodded. "We always's are wantin' someone here to see to the animals day an' night. Have some pony's gettin' ready to birth who are on watch. An several goats too. We're buildin' numbers." He chuckled and smiled wide, showing off several missing teeth likely from being knocked out by the animals he worked with. "We 'ave nearly doubled our livestock an' herds jus' in the last year. Before yeh head out, do yeh wan' te see the piglets? Had a sow deliver jus' before the ceremony…tha' hog had eight…an this is her second litter this year. Bu' it nearly made me late gettin' Dajnel to the front hall after Kili an' Naurfaer left."

Viltarra nodded instantly while Fili rolled his eyes but followed, making sure to give the apple he held to Kit on his way by, who knickered softly and accepted the proffered gift. They really needed to get to the feast…though Fili is debating on whether or not he should talk to Viltarra about just skipping it and going up to see how his sister is doing. Sod whatever Oin said, he is the crowned prince, he could go and do as he pleases.

Plus Fili happens to know that in her current condition, Viltarra would probably prefer a more reserved evening after the ceremony. However, he also did not want to disappoint his aunt and uncle. Aunt. Fili hummed the word again to himself. It was one thing teasing Nyaunni about her new family title, but now having it all said and done…it feels different to gain an aunt. He's never had an aunt before.

Still, it did not feel wrong in any way. In fact, it felt…completing. As if Nyaunni was the missing piece to the family, which made Fili smile even as he sidled up to his wife who was gushing over the tiny pink piglets fighting for teats to feed off of.

Fili had to hold back a laugh at Hiril who had her head cocked to the side as if she was unsure of what to make of the small squealing and sucking creatures. Placing one hand around his wife, while the other scratched Hiril behind the ear, Fili sighed contently. "Cannot wait for ours to come."

"Our piglet?" Viltarra lifted a teasing brow. "Considering how you and Kili eat, it would not surprise me if that is what arrives next week."

"Or sooner." Fili kissed her head.

"Mahal I hope not. Thorin and Nyaunni's day has been interrupted enough with poor Tauriel coming early." Viltarra looked to Fili, sadness in her eyes. "Do you think he will be alright? Coming two weeks earlier than he should?"

Fili kissed her head and nodded. "I don't think you have anything to worry about. Ki came much earlier than two weeks, and he is perfectly fine….or…fine enough. He is a bit…odd…but I think that is just Ki." Fili laughed. "I suppose I can't blame an early birth for that." Then his expression turned sour. "Speaking of Ki, I just realized I lost the bet. Kakhf."

"Honestly you two are awful." Viltarra pulled away and began walking towards the door, but paused. "Are you coming? We do have a feast to get to and your daughter needs food."

Fili huffed. "My SON needs food, and I was thinking about seeing Tauri, but I also don't want to upset uncle."

Viltarra hummed in thought. "Well. We could simply make an appearance at the feast. I doubt neither Nyaunni nor Thorin will be upset if we excuse ourselves after we have eaten to see Tauriel and Kili. Besides…" Nyaunni smirked and held out her hand. "…it is their wedding night…they may just escape early as well."

Fili laughed, taking her hand as the pair bid Oklan goodbye, heading towards the food hall on the same level but a little further into the mountain. Fili paused at the steps that led to the healing halls, however, and sighed. He hoped Tauriel was alright, he really was not up for a feast tonight.

"Alrigh' there lad?" Fili eyed the pair of dwarves who leaned casually against the wall on either side of the large archway that led to where the main entrance to the great food hall was located. He did not recognize these dwarves, and something told him there was something off about this interaction.

"We are fine, thank you." Viltarra hummed and tugged Fili to go past them, but another dwarf blocked her path. "I think you should move." The dam growled, not in the mood.

"Hey there now! Ain' she go' an attitude?" One of the pair laughed out.

Fili glared at the dwarf. "I suggest you keep your comments to yourself, and do as she says." He eyed the dwarves again trying to recall if he knew them, then realized how thin they were. These had to be guards from the Firebeard clan. "You may be new here, but you will not speak to my wife like that, nor will you speak to me or anyone in my family with this blatant disrespect."

"Oi, look. A haughty dwarven prince. How fun." The two dwarves laughed, as a third appeared in the center seemingly out of nowhere and sauntered over to them. It was another who Fili did not recognize, neither did he like the way this dwarf was eyeing him and his wife. He was about to speak again, but Viltarra beat him to it.

"Look, darhûna, I have neither the patience, nor the tolerance right now to deal with this in a manner befitting any royal station…let alone the one I will one day have." Viltarra said through clenched teeth…she was hungry, she was tired, she was worried about her sister, and she still was a bit mortified and upset with herself for nearly forgetting her lines…so Mahal forgive her tactlessness. "But you are on thin stone, and it is beginning to crack. I will say this one more time…remove yourself from our path."

Darhûna? Fili eyed the dwarf than rolled his eyes. Not a dwarf, a dam. He really needs to be better at figuring this out. "Or…" Fili added, "…we can arrange for accommodations with your former lord."

"Now tha', is where yeh error, elf lover. He is no' nor ever will be our former Lord, Dryok, is our king." The dam glared darkly, and before Fili could react, something was thrown over his head and he was pushed roughly to the wall.

"FILI!" The golden haired prince heard Viltarra cry out as he fought to remove the tight burlap sack cutting off his vision. He tried to elbow the dwarf behind him, but that damn guard had him at an odd angle. Instead, Fili gave up on keeping the bag from tightening around his throat and went for one of his daggers…which was not easy to do with his breathing being further and further restricted.

"GET OFF, YEH UZBADKAYAL MASHÂZ!"

Fili had no idea what was happening around him, but he heard the dam scream at his wife, and he saw red. Royal rat? Nobody had the right to insult his Viltarra. The bag around him loosened just a bit as Hiril suddenly howled and the dwarf that held him cried out, though he still held onto Fili.

With a bit more wiggle room, Fili was finally able to pull one of his daggers and slammed it into the closest part of the dwarf he could get, which was just below his shoulder. It did not kill him, or cause him to fall, but it was enough to get him to loosen the bag even more and curse loudly.

"VILTARRA RUN!" Fili called out as he ripped the sack from his head only to see his wife being held tightly by the dam, a knife at her throat and one on their unborn child. Hiril snarled and growled in front of them, her ears pinned back and her teeth bared and ready to attack; blood already coated her mouth and fur as she waited for an opportunity to rip this strange dam apart. A quick look to the side showed a dwarf on the ground, his thigh bleeding profusely.

"Move, an' they both die." The strange dam growled at Fili as she kept Viltarra in place even as she struggled to get free. "Now, pu' tha' knife down and call the beast off." The dam glared darkly at Fili who only tightened his hold on his dagger. "I SAID PU' IT DOWN!" Seeing Fili refuse her orders, she immediately pushed the blade she held further into Viltarra's neck just enough for a shallow cut to form; several drops of blood made their way down her neck onto her wedding attire…yet Viltarra did not cry out or whimper…instead, she dug her nails into the dams wrist so hard…Fili could see them cutting into her skin. However, the strange dam did not even react.

"RELEASE HER!" It was not Fili's voice, but Aeodhen who came running in with Dwalin and several guards. Just in front of them was a furious looking Vin, his hand gripping a battle axe so tightly, his knuckles were white.

"I SAID PU' YER WEAPONS DOWN AN' CALL THA' THING OFF! I 'ave the power here. No' you." The dam yelled out again as Hiril growled continuously, her ears still pinned to the back of her head and her teeth bared dangerously at the dam before her.

With no other options, Fili lifted his hands and placed his dagger on the ground carefully. "Hiril, binignigî." The warg snarled again, but took a step back and stayed as Fili ordered her to do. He knew no matter what he said, their warg would not completely back off until she felt the dam she protected was safe. "Alright…tell us what you want." Fili said slowly, trying to keep his voice calm.

"Yeh will release my father." The dam growled, her eyes constantly moving between Hiril and Fili. "An yeh will give him this mountain' as he deserves. I think it's a fair price…yer child don' have a price, do he? Or yer little mashâz?"

"Father? Dryok don' have any daughters." Dwalin growled back, knowing they had nobody else in the dungeons but Dryok, so she could be referring to no other.

The dam laughed. "No' any with his wife he don'. Jus' useless, food an' ale guzzling sacks o' orc meat sons. They could no' put a troll down if it was already half dead. Me mam is a warrior, and Dryok took 'er as a mistress fer a time, an' I am his child from tha' union. She raised me in the shadows of our clan, an' when I came of age, though he don' know me as blood, I joined 'is personal guard. Me loyalties are no' with a bunch of elf lovin' dwarves gone soft an' fat, bu' with me father and him alone." She sneered at the dwarves and pushed her blade deeper into Viltarra's stomach. "Now…put down yer weapons…or lose this useless excuse for a future queen."

"Useless?" Viltarra huffed.

"Viltarra don't." Fili warned, shaking his head as she locked eyes with him. He could see the fear in her amber orbs that she was doing all she could to keep down. If she so much as TRIED to do something, it would be her life. She was just too close to this insane dam. "Do what she says." Fili ordered.

"Fili? Yeh sure lad?" Aeodhen gave him a look, but Fili locked his jaw and nodded.

"Do it." Dwalin agreed already putting his blade down. "I canno' believe we let yeh into this mountain."

"Yeh didn't." Another of the Firebeards laughed darkly. By now, there seemed to be several who had come out of the shadows around them. "We were no' with those traitors who turned against our lord. Bu' we did follow them in. We arrived a bit later than the rest. Had teh make sure we shot down any ravens tha' might have seen us."

Aeodhen glared at the dam and the half a dozen or so Firebeards with her; one was still on the ground unmoving after what looked like Hiril's attack, and judging by all the blood around him…he probably was not going to move again. "An yeh did what…hide? How many are with yeh?"

"Tha' is exactly wha' we did. If the others turned their back to our cause, then we would take this mountain from within ourselves, eh Drya?" The Firebeard turned to the dam who nodded.

"The others have no honor!" The dam, Drya, yelled out tightening her grip on Viltarra even further. "When we saw them give up, we knew wha' we had to do, an we backed off teh the back. We may be few, bu' we will prevail!"

Dwalin lifted a brow as Aeodhen grumbled about this dam being clearly out of her mind with madness if she thought a half a dozen, seemingly young, awol guards could win this mountain. "Lass, look around yeh. All yeh are goin' teh gain here…is a one way trip teh our maker."

"I SPIT on Mahal!" The dam roared. "I 'ave no loyalties teh some bein' tha' sits on a throne in another realm. Wha' has Mahal done fer me? Wha' has Mahal don' fer me clan?"

"And what has your FATHER done?" Vin bellowed. "Some father you have, to bare a daughter and not even recognize her. But then again, it is the same father who lets his clan starve."

"MY FATHER LOVES HIS PEOPLE!"

"DOES HE EVEN LOVE YOU?!" Vin roared back. "Let my girl go." He tried softly, taking a breath. "As a father who would do anything for his child, I offer my life for hers if you just…let my baby girl go."

Viltarra cried out as she felt the blade sink into the flesh of her abdomen. A deep, heavy pain suddenly filled her entire being. "Please…" She said softly, shaking her head at her own father before trying to reason with this insane dam. "I am sure your father thought he was doing what was best for your clan." Her legs were shaking as she tried to hold herself up as she realized the pain she felt, was not coming from either the wound on her neck nor the new wound on her belly…but from deep within her womb. Her eyes widened as a hot liquid trickled down her legs, and at that moment, she knew she was in more trouble than she realized.

Lifting her eyes, Viltarra felt a tear fall down her cheek as she whimpered. "Fili." He caught her eye and she flicked her amber orbs down to their child and mouthed…baby.

Kakhf, kakhf, kakhf, Fili swore to himself when he caught on. This is not happening. They needed to get her out of this situation and fast.

Before he could respond or figure out a plan, the Ereborian guards divided in two and Thorin stomped through, his eyes dark and his expression dangerous…and behind him, Dain gripped his hammer tightly as Thorin spoke. "If you believe your father to be some honorable dwarf, you could not be more wrong."

"Aye. I second tha'. Wha' ever he told yeh, was wrong. Come now, le' her go lassie. Yer own people sided against him. Shouldn' tha' say well enough?" Dain stood proud beside Thorin, hoping this would not end in a bloodbath. Unfortunately, it was looking more and more like it would.

Fili was at a loss of what to do. They were just agitating this dam even more, and that agitation was going to mean the end of his wife and child's life very soon.

"I will give you one chance. Release my niece, and you may join your father in a cell…but you will do so alive." Thorin stared hard at the dam who stared right back.

"Or wha'? Yeh will kill me? I go…she goes. Seems like I have the final say here…no' you. Think I will take my chances." Drya sneered.

"Is this your choice than?" Thorin asked one more time. How this dam thought she would be getting anywhere was beyond him. He heard enough, and saw enough, to not even need to understand the situation. These seven dwarves thought they could take Erebor. The only reason they were still alive, was because one of them held Viltarra.

Thorin's eyes flicked to the still dwarf on the ground, maybe not all alive. A glance at Hiril was proof enough she may have killed that dwarf, and he would in no way fault her for it. She was doing what she was supposed to do; protecting her family. Which is exactly what he was about to do. Thorin nudged Dain a few inches over and judged the dam a bit before speaking once more. "I only will ask one time more...is this your choice?"

"I DO NOT ANSWER TO YOU!" Drya bellowed.

"So be it." Thorin seethed darkly. With a small, nearly unseen gesture with his hand, Thorin felt an arrow glide mere millimeters past his cheek only to hit it's intended target head on.

In that exact moment, several things happened at once. Thorin's guards immediately took down the five standing firebeard betrayers, Hiril lunged at Viltarra as the blades fell from Drya's hands, and the warg secured her jaws around Viltarra's dress and pulled her from the mad dam who instinctively tried to reach out for her, then Drya fell gasping for breath. Her downfall, the arrow now embedded in her skull.

Kili lowered his bow and took a breath, his dark eyes fixed on the fallen dam, while his body raced with mixed emotions of fury, anticipation, and worry for his wife and unborn son. Though at the moment, Tauriel was still resting. She had miraculously fallen asleep with Finli nestled in her arms while Naurfaer sat reclined on a chair with his feet on the bed…knitting. Oin chuckled at Kili's nervous expression, saying it happened sometimes, and they should let her alone; she needed all the energy she could get.

Though Kili was not convinced, both Dis and Naurfaer sided with the healer and told the young prince to let her sleep while she can. However, Kili's pacing had Oin becoming exasperated, so the healer threatened to kick him out.

Instead, his mother suggested he go for a short walk. As it was, Kili had decided to go to the hall to give the rest of his family an update, when he came across the nightmarish scene. He immediately went for his weapons; sending any guards he passed to join the others as he sprinted up the steps and through his rooms while cursing himself for not having one on him. When he came back, he ran into his uncle, who was appraised of the situation from Vin who ran into the hall to get help when he too saw what was happening.

The dwarven king immediately and inconspicuously called his guards and the few members of his company not playing music and dancing, as to not draw attention of the others at the feast. Once they left as subtly as possible, they split up to surround the situation. Thorin whispered a quick plan to Kili as Aeodhen and Dwalin went ahead; Kili would be the back-up. If things were not calming, Kili was to take this dam out before Viltarra was harmed.

As his uncle moved through his guards who parted as he walked past them, Kili was able to climb up onto the base of a statue that kept him out of sight, while allowing him to line up a perfect shot straight to the dam's head…without hitting his sister.

Kili did not wait to aim, and the moment his uncle gave the signal…Kili released his arrow and watched as it sailed through the air and hit the mark. With one shot, it was over. He quickly jumped down from his hiding place and moved in to help.

Thorin kneeled down at the dam, who was somehow still breathing. "I jus'…" She coughed. "I jus' wanted ta prove me loyalty…ta prove...I was his child…his best child." A wheezing breath left her body and Drya went still. Shaking his head, Thorin stood and looked around.

Not one, but all seven dwarves were dead. They fought the guard…which was foolish…and every one lost their life. "Thorin…wha' do yeh wan' done with 'em?" Aeodhen eyed the group and sighed.

Balin, who had also followed Thorin, stood after looking at the dwarf Hiril took down. "Thorin, I may no' have a perfect mind…bu' not one of these dwarves…or the lass…was in with the other Firebeards. I made sure to speak teh each one, Thorin. Each one. An' I can say with my best knowledge…I have never once seen any of these dwarves. They were no' in tha' hall last night, bein' questioned an' registered. Not one of 'em."

"I still want the others watched, Balin, Aeodhen." Both nodded in agreement as the dwarven king looked to the fallen once more. "Get them out of my halls." Thorin growled as a shadow fell over him. He looked up to Gandalf who was watching the scene sadly. "How much did you see?"

"Enough." Gandalf grumbled. "You did what needed to be done, Thorin. Yet her reasoning is what truly saddens me. A child, only seeking the love of a father. She was willing to make quite the sacrifice for such love, but will he see it the same way?"

"I don' think he even knows she's his child." Dain sighed sadly. "Tha' is some lass though...an' I don' mean tha' in a good way…insultin' our maker an' fixin' teh murder an innocent life and Viltarra? Patience be with Mahal on this day, he will be receiving' quite the company."

"They will likely be barred from our halls. Don't you think uncle?" Kili, still holding his bow, stopped to stand before the dam as he made his way to the crowd around Vin, Fili, and Viltarra just a few feet away.

Thorin placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "You and I both know, that it is more complicated than that. It is not our business nor our place to make such calls."

"UNCLE!" Fili called out, now holding Viltarra in his arms. "She's gone into labor. I need to get her to Oin, now!"

"GO!" Thorin ordered, but Fili was already on his way with Vin hot on his heals and the blood coated Hiril trotting close behind.

"Yeh go ahead cousin…" Dain patted Thorin on the back. "I will see to this for yeh. Don' yeh worry." Thorin smile gratefully as his cousin started bellowing out orders to get this place cleaned up.

"Oh, what a day." Gandalf chuckled. "I am rather glad I chose to come, rather glad indeed."

Thorin rolled his eyes and followed his nephews…choosing not to respond to the wizard and instead inquiring about his daughter. "How is Tauriel?"

"I was just coming to tell you she was progressing slowly. She is, in fact, currently sleeping." However, Kili suddenly stopped, and his eyes widened as he stared ahead at nothing for several heartbeats, then he was suddenly sprinting past both Thorin and his brother towards the healing hall.

"Well…I think he knows something we do not." Gandalf's blue eyes sparkled and Thorin realized…something must be happening with Tauriel.

"Fili!" Thorin called to his nephew several steps ahead. "I will meet you up." The blonde barely nodded as Thorin turned on his toes to head back the way they came.

Stalking into the great hall where the feast continued as if nothing had just taken place, Thorin marched to the head table where Bilbo, Nyaunni, and Tarrah sat huddled together in conversation. He had told them to remain where they were and to under no circumstances, leave this hall. He did not want the situation to be made public and cause a panic before he even knew what was going on. He would deal with the rest of the Firebeards later…if it was necessary; he was hoping it was not.

Though Thorin was not gone for very long, the line of gift givers was no longer lined up at the table. But dwarves were still running up and placing gifts near and before where his new wife sat, and some were still performing and giving advice…even with Thorin missing. As they did, Nyaunni would give thanks and smile as Tarrah and Bilbo moved the gift out of the way to make room, or with a piece of parchment she would write or have the performer write down what they said or the lyrics of what they performed if it had any. Then Nyaunni, and the two beside her would go back to watching the door anxiously until the next gift approached.

Finally, after what felt like hours, Nyaunni and Tarrah stood when they saw Thorin and Gandalf coming through the door. They met them before they got to the table, the hobbit remaining behind and making assurances to the dwarves who were watching as they waited to give their gift at the most inopportune time.

It was just as well that Thorin showed up when he did, as the remaining party agreed just seconds before if somebody did not come and tell them what was going on soon, they would be going to find out for themselves. Well, Tarrah and Nyaunni decided…Bilbo stuttered saying Thorin told them to stay here, and Gandalf as well when he went to check on the missing groom.

"What happened?"

"Is everything alright?"

Both Nyaunni and Tarrah spoke at the same time and Thorin nodded quickly. "I am going to make an announcement to excuse us, then I will explain everything on our way to the healing halls. Bilbo, Gandalf, if I may, I am going to ask that you remain here for the time being. Please, enjoy the celebration." Before either could ask any more, Thorin climbed the steps, then stepped up on his family's table.

"MY PEOPLE!" He called several times before Bofur stopped the music that he and several others were playing, which in turn stopped the dancing that began not long after Thorin left. Eventually, the filled hall began to silence as everyone waited to hear what their king had to say. "IT APPEARS MAHAL IS NOT FINISHED BLESSING THIS EVENING. BOTH TAURIEL AND VILTARRA HAVE GONE INTO LABOR."

The hall remained quiet for a moment, then a roar of cheers erupted along with the clanking of cups on the tables. Thorin normally would not be making such an announcement, and certainly not minutes after blood was spilt in his halls…dwarven blood. Furthermore, he stands by his earlier conviction that this was a vulnerable time for both his niece and daughter, as well as his family. But he was also of the mind that after what just happened, he needed a reason to leave and to keep the moral of the mountain high. The news of the eight deaths - one by warg, and seven by Kili and the Ereborian guards - would no doubt be circulating by morning, but it did not need to ruin a day meant for joy.

Thorin waited for the exuberance to calm down a bit, then before stepping down he made a final statement. "WE WILL MAKE THE APPROPRIATE ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN THEY ARRIVE, UNTIL THEN, PLEASE…ENJOY THE FEAST AND THE EVENING."

Another roar filled the room as Thorin stepped down; the music filling the air once more as he approached the table where the Firebeards that announced Nyaunni in the wedding not an hour ago, were sitting and enjoying the feast. Since he seemed to be the leader, Thorin went straight to Kravin who watched his approach and lifted his mug…but the look on Thorin's face had him dropping it. "Come with me."

Kravin nodded, and stood; with him came Kudri, and Thorin did not argue it. The dwarven king then moved to Nyaunni and Tarrah, grumbling, "Let's go." He placed a hand on the small of Nyaunni's back and without another word, they were out of the hall now celebrating not just a wedding…but the births yet to happen this very night.

Thorin led them out of the hall and through the corridor, but stopped when Tarrah gasped and Nyaunni stood motionless at what she saw. Blood coated much of the floor and bodies were laid out still uncovered while Balin, Dwalin, and several of the company spoke with guards.

"Gloin, Dori, and Ori, go guard the door to the healers office. Family only…and Leotti." Thorin added before Ori could ask. Both dwarves nodded and headed to their assignment. "I assume Nori is back down with Dryok?"

Aeodhen nodded and Dwalin hummed. "I was about to head there too."

"Go." Thorin agreed.

"Aeodhen, Balin, I brought Kravin to see if he can shed some answers on this lot."

"Makers forge." Kravin looked on sadly at what he saw. "I did no' even realize…" He gaped at the bodies then looked back at Thorin. "We had a few leave before we go' teh Erebor. Deserters. Lost about two…maybe three dozen between our mountain, an' Erebor. Dryok was furious, bu' kept us marchin'. I though'…I though' anyone missin' had jus' chose teh leave."

"They attacked my nephew and niece…that dam even threatened to kill her and her unborn." Thorin growled. "The ordeal threw her into early labor."

"WHAT?!" Tarrah roared. Without waiting, she was gone, running to the healing halls and Thorin let her go. Nyaunni just looked furious. She stood staring at the dead dwarves with fire in her eyes and Thorin had to force himself to look away.

"As I said, they attacked my family. I need to know what you knew of them…and if I need to take necessary actions with any others." Thorin eyed the dwarf. "I am making an allowance here, because for some reason, I do not believe you...either of you...have anything to do with this. So, do not disappoint me when I ask what you know."

Kravin's eyes widened and he nodded. "Truthfully, they are like the rest of us, as far as I know. Most keep to themselves in the guard, meh lord. We all have stories…an' reasons we are here. Some worse than others. Bu' I canno' think of any tellin' signs tha' would indicate they were bad dwarves."

"I can." Kudri stepped forward. "Each of 'em signed up on their own free will."

"Yeh canno' know tha' for certain." Kravin shook his head, but Kudri disagreed.

"Bu' I do. We are all under contract…all of us. Bu' they weren'. They joined freely, I swear it on me little girl, Kravin. I swear it."

Thorin rubbed his chin. "And the dam?"

"Drya?" Kravin glanced at the dam, one of maybe a half dozen on the guard. "Keeps to 'erself to be honest. I don' think I exchanged more than a few words with her."

Kudri nodded. "I knew her some, odd sort, she be. Quiet. Comes teh train, an leaves again. Tried teh get on Dryok's personal team more times than I could count, bu' he did no' care much for her. Was always tryin' teh shew 'er off an' swot her away like a fly buzzin' in his ear. Bu' she never gave up."

Somehow, that made Thorin feel a tiny bit of pity for the dam…but not much. "And the rest of you?"

"I swear, no' a soul who was in tha' hall las' night would do anythin' like this." Kravin vouched, Kudri nodding in agreement. "I would even go so far as te take full responsibility if they did. They are hungry, tired, an' used te bein' told wha' to do. They are good dwarves, an' honorable, yeh have my word."

"Nya?" Thorin asked as she remained rather tight lipped. Her azure eyes met his and he saw the conflict there. This was her clan…and she was taking on the weight of what happened, even though in no way was this her fault.

"What more do you know, Thorin?" Nyaunni finally asked.

Thorin looked to the fallen dam. "She claims to be Dryok's illegitimate daughter."

Nyaunni pierced her lips. "Is she?"

Thorin shrugged and looked to Kudri and Kravin. "Do either of you know?"

"Afraid no', bu', there are rumors Dryok has many mistresses…some he even lures from other dwarves' beds." Kudri said after a few moments.

Kravin sighed. "We canno' speak such things we do no' know. Tha' is petty gossip in my opinion. Slander. It is no' our way to take mistresses."

"Bu' it does happen." Kudri disagreed. "Yeh are no fool, Kravin. Weakness is weakness."

"Alright. I am not here to convict Dryok on his morality." Thorin stopped them before they said any more. "I could care less if he had mistresses or not, that is between he and Mahal. If this was his daughter, he should be told."

"If he knows." Nyaunni folded her arms. "This, is it Thorin. I am not hearing any more. We are merging the clans. I will not see the people my first father led, the people my father loved, suffer any more. I have seen enough to believe all I have heard. No more."

Thorin nodded as Gandalf walked up to them, having stepped out of the feast once more. Thorin rolled his eyes as the wizard approached…yet another who opted not to listen to him. He was glad, however, that Bilbo chose to remain behind for the time being. He did not want his friend to see the massacre in his halls.

"If I may…" Gandalf's deep voice had them all listening as he spoke. "…I have been around a very long time, and in that time, I have seen many a people come together...and in every instance it was for the betterment of the people. If that clan is as in need as it seems, leaving them to suffer, would very well be their demise, Thorin. I know you are not the sort to let others fall, especially not your own, so do what needs to be done, and be done with it."

Sighing deeply, Thorin neither agreed nor disagreed. What he needed, was the lords to come to Erebor so they can give their input. But it seems all those he has spoken to...and those who have spoken to him...were of the same opinion; merge the clans.

"It will be a process that begins when the lords get to the mountain. Let us deal with today first. I need to see what shape the mountain the Firebeards dwell in is, before I decide if we need to get them to Erebor...or if I need to place someone in charge." Thorin looked to Kravin and Kudri. "What do you think?"

"Yeh already know I won' accept another as my lord an' king." Kravin said confidently, Kudri nodding in agreement. "Bu', the mountain itself is in decent enough order...jus' no' her people."

"Food and supplies are already set to go out in the morning, I will not have any more suffering if I can help it." Thorin placed a hand on Kravin's shoulder. He then looked to Nyaunni, taking her hand. "Do you trust me, Nya?"

Nyaunni just stared at the dwarf before her, the king under the mountain, her closest friend and confidante from her childhood, and now her husband. She loved him...but can she trust him? The answer was a fast and rather loud yes in her mind. "Of course Thorin."

Thorin smiled and pulled her brow to his. "Then trust me when I promise you that I will do everything in my power to bring our clans together. The suffering ends here." Nyaunni nodded, her head still pressed to his. Before he pulled away, she closed the distance between them and brought his lips to hers in a soft kiss.

"Thank you." Nyaunni breathed as she pulled away. "Are you ready to go see the family?"

"Go on Thorin. We got this." Balin smiled. "The healing halls is where yer most needed."

"Aye, cousin. Were jus' goin' teh get these bodies moved and the floor cleaned. Then, we are goin' back teh the feast. Somebody needs teh ge' wasted tonight if yer not." Dain laughed wildly as several guards came with a wagon large enough to fit the fallen dwarves, yet narrow enough to travers the corridors. They were being taken to an outside room and covered until their families can be notified…only dwarves with honor can rest within Erebor's halls.

"I will be getting back to the feast as well." Gandalf smiled softly. "I do not think there is a place for an old wizard in a birthing room…perhaps…a nice cup of wine would be in order…yes…yes that is precisely what I will have." The tall wizard stepped around the wagon and the cleaning guards and disappeared around the corner heading towards the sounds of the music and laughing masses in the food hall.

"Come get me if you have any problems Balin, Dain. And see that several guards keep to this level on regular rounds tonight…just in case we have more unwanted visitors lurking in my halls." The Lord of the Iron Hills nodded as he turned away to continue heading the clean-up with Balin who was now assigning guards to scout the entire floor.

Before leaving himself, Thorin looked to the silent pair of Firebeards who were once again looking at the bodies being lifted into the wagon, and chose to let them be. If they wished to help, he would not bar them from it.

Taking Nyaunni's hand, Thorin led the way away from his own wedding feast, up to the healing halls to join the rest of the family. Their night, was just getting better and better.

Authors Note: I think that will be the last wedding I write. I know it was probably not as detailed as Fili or Kili's, but I figured you have seen two…you did not need the entire verbiage of a third. I do try to make them a bit different or unique, so I added little changes to hopefully keep it from becoming mundane.

Also…I made sure drama did not happen until AFTER the wedding. You are welcome.

BABY TIME! I might have the next chapter up sometime Saturday or Sunday. 😊

I love you guys. You are the best.