XxX

It had been thirty-three years. Thirty-three years since Tauriel had left everything she had once known to follow the dwarf. Thirty-three years since she had refused the lifting of her banishment and turned her back on her homeland.

Times had changed, the world had changed, yet Tauriel still looked the same as she had the day she lost Kili. Though she looked the same, her once fiery spirit had tempered with the years and grown in maturity. Living among Men had a way of humanizing elves, making them almost desire mortality.

Bard, the thought plagued her as her back faced the now restored city of Dale, her beautiful emerald eyes refusing to steal one last look.

After the Battle of Five Armies, Bard had bestowed the title of the King's Adviser upon her. But, apart from her dwarven title, she preferred to be known simply as Bard the Bowman's trusted friend then adviser to the King.

Other than Kili's, the death of Bard was the only other life that weighed heavy on her soul. Through all the wars she had faced, even the death of her parents, no loss could crush her more than that of the mortal dwarf and man.

The curse of long life was seeing all the other lifetimes that passed one by. What if's became a way of life after the first hundred years, sorrow became nothing more than another weight to bear.

Tauriel's soft lashes fluttered closed, concealing her gem eyes as she remembered the pain of her past.

She had been there when Bard had fallen, seen as the healers rushed to him and took him away from his throne. She was the one that had been in his room as he dictated his last will and testament, setting his son, Bain, up as King.

After the death of her short lived love, she had promised Kili's memory that she would never forget him. Her loyalty walled her heart off, keeping those around her at a safe distance.

Bard was the only one that was gifted accessed to her closed heart, since he too knew the pain of stolen love. Through the years, they had created a bond that none could break – built upon equality and trust, mutual respect and having the other's back. Never had a friendship been more honest and true.

When the end was nearing, she had expected him to dismiss the council so that they could have one last intimate moment together. What she hadn't expected was his confession of love for her and the regret of never acting on it. The shock had stiffened her, causing her to pull back and drop his hand.

He had laughed, like he was a young man again, and explained that was why he never confessed his secret to her; though he had shared every other part of his life with her. That, and the fact that her friendship was worth more than anything else to him, a treasure he wasn't willing to chance losing.

Then, he told her what she needed to hear: she was free to go now, with his passing. He wouldn't make her promise to stay and guide Bain in his ruling. It was time for her to discover herself; too long had she lingered in the shadows of the past, it was time to seek the light of tomorrow.

The only promise he asked of her was to keep his memory alongside Kili's, to smile when she thought of her years in Dale. It was a promise she readily agreed to.

She had been there, by his side, with Bain, Sigrid and Tilda, as Bard drifted from this world to the next. Tauriel had done what was expected of her as the King's Adviser, following the rites and traditions of Men.

Only when the citizens were burying their beloved King, and she was comforting his grown children, did the she-elf realize her budding love for the man. Of course the love of friendship was there, but, if she were to stoke the embers, it could have caught and become something more.

In the deep chambers of her heart, she had always known he was but a man, a mortal with his years numbered, and that his time would come sooner rather than later. Purposely, she had ignored the stoking fire in favor of quenching the pain of another lost love. Not to mention, her self-inflicted guilt of betraying Kili's memory.

Tauriel had stayed as long as she was needed before informing the newly crowned King of his father's wishes for her to leave.

As the young elf neared the edge of Dale, where the kingdom met with the Lonely Mountain, her mare slowed. Whether the pony paused from habit or weariness of her load, the elf couldn't be sure.

"Broom, what is it?" Tauriel asked, stroking the rich, dark hair of the horse's mane as she stopped, refusing to go any further.

Broom shook her majestic head, her white socked hoof kicking up the ground. Only then did Tauriel look up to see where their feed had taken them as her thoughts drifted.

The elf dismounted with ease, her hand running over Broom's charcoal pelt, "Erebor." There were the grand stone gates; signally she had crossed into dwarven territory, "How did I end up here? I swore we were headed in the opposite direction." She asked, not expecting a response from the horse.

As she walked the perimeter, she came to stop before the statues of the heroes of old. The small memorial garden was a tranquil place she had spent many an hour in throughout the years. .

Her blush still warmed her face whenever she caught sight of her own image, crafted out of smooth marble, which stood guard alongside the other protectors.

Her swift feet made way towards the reason she always sought comfort outside the gates.

"It is his perfect likeness." She whispered, her slender fingers brushing the runes that spelled out his name on the base of the statue, remembering the playful youth of his eyes and the cheeky smile that never left his face. The statue was carved without the innocence that the true Kili held, but it was the closest she would ever get to seeing the dwarf again.

At times, when hope seemed dim, she would come and sit by his feet, talking out her problems until she had come up with a solution. Other times, she would come out, under the light of stars, and lay in the grass, gazing at the always shifting sky and pretending Kili was there to talk to, like he had been that night so many years ago in the dungeons of Mirkwood.

"How odd of an elf I am. First, to fall in love with a dwarf and give up her kin for Men, now to mourn the loss of a statue more than those I leave behind." Tauriel smiled, sitting on the base of the piece. Her brow perked when she caught sight of something that hadn't been there the last time she had been.

A beautiful green plant had sprouted along the marble dwarf's feet; delicate, white flowers were sprinkled throughout.

Tauriel plucked a handful and pressed it against her nose, "Athelas." Her eyes closed, her nose still filled with the soft smell, "Where did you come from?"

Her eyes shifted around the small garden, but the only place the King's Foil grew were along the statues of Kili and herself, which Dain had chosen to place next to one another.

Through her tears, her smile grew even more, "These were not planted by mortal hands." She pressed the herb to her chest, her long lashes closing off her tears, "Thank you, Kili." She inhaled the scent once more before standing to retrieve a bag to collect some for her travels.

Tauriel tucked the treasured package carefully in her riding bag and moved to mount her mare, letting her eyes linger one last time on the carved images, "I cannot stay, but I will forever be at peace because a part of me will remain next to you. At least until time takes its toll, like it does – all ruins were once admired pieces of history. Treasured, immortalized lives until they became nothing more than a legend."

"Lady Tauriel Athelas, Adviser of the King! Surely ye aren't going to go without a proper dwarven send off, aye?" A familiar voice boomed, echoing off the expanse of the mountain.

Her horse, always at ease and never able to be startled, simply turned so her rider could meet the source of the voice, as if Tauriel needed to see Dain to know it was him that spoke.

She smiled and inclined her head with respect, "Of course not, but I thought you were off visiting the Blue Mountains for the festival."

Dain came up and stroked Broom's coarse mane, "Aye, I would be but a raven told me that ye would be leaving soon."

As she stepped down from her saddle, Tauriel kept her head bowed, "I meant no disrespect."

"Aye, of course not, of course not." Dain waved away her formality and instead stepped up with a leather wrapped token, "We made ye this for yer journey."

Tauriel took the gift, her eyes brightening as she untied the silver twine. Elves were not easily caught off guard by beauty, having always been abundantly surrounded by it through the centuries, but the stunning cuff caused a gasp to escape the she-elf's lips.

"King Dain." Her eyes sparked as the last bits of the day's sun caught the stunning gold of the thick bracelet.

Unknowingly, Tauriel had started to hand it back to him, but Dain simply pushed it back to her, "It is a gift, between friends. Those of us left from the war will eventually dwindle down as the years go by, we need to stick together – to remember." He patted his hand over her closed one, his tears threatening to spill over his red beard, now streaked with grey.

Tauriel slowly opened her hand, bringing her other up to outline the craftsmanship of the familiar runes.

Dain smiled, trying to break through his show of weakness, "So ye remember to return one day."

Tauriel looked up, her emerald eyes mixing with those of the coal embers of the dwarf, "It's my home, of course I will."

"Good, very good." Dain released her hand, in essence, giving her his blessing to leave, "Safe travels, Tauriel Athelas."

Without further delay, she secured the cuff on her shooting arm and pulled herself back onto her horse, "Till we meet again."

"Till then." He rose his hand and she followed suite, "And, might I be so bold but to say that the traditional dwarvish 'air styles looks stunning on ye, me lady."

Tauriel's cheek warmed at the compliment, her smile pinching her face, "To bad I have not been able to grow a beard, though."

Dain burst out in a deep, hearty laugh, his hands resting on his rotund belly, "Aye, I will miss ye."

"And I you." Tauriel bowed her head in sincere respect. When she looked back up, she caught sight of those of Erebor filling out of their safe hold, baskets of flowers in hand.

"May the road be smooth and the stars shine bright on yer journey, may the sky be dry and the friends ye meet along the way be true. I 'ope ye find what ye are seeking." Dain blessed, taking hold of Broom's bridle and leading them down the growing line, as the city's occupants threw flowers before their way.

Tauriel made sure to meet every eyes as they walked down the aisle, hoping to let each of them know that she would never forget their kindness. Women smiled and waved, a few curtsied. All of the men inclined their head in respect of the she-elf as she passed them by.

"Remember, Tauriel," Dain called as he let go of Broom and stayed behind, "ye are always welcomed in me peoples' 'omes, for whatever ye need and no matter 'ow far from the Mountain ye are!"

Tauriel smiled, the shimmer casting off the pure bracelet and illuminating her face, "I look forward to coming home someday soon." Her eyes cast one last longing look back to the stone garden, pulling back Broom so she stopped.

"I will take care of 'im for ye lass, but ye need to go for yerself right now. Go now!" He shooed with love.

She gave a watery smile and steered her horse back down the path. Once she was clear from the citizens, she lightly pressed her heels into the mare's side and they took off, neither looking back.

XxX

The dark trees loomed before her and the she-elf couldn't help but wrinkle her nose; Mirkwood. The woods haunted her dreams, the kingdom, long ago stowed away deep within the dark ground, gnawed at her inner being. Though she hadn't been near the border since she had turned her back on it years ago, it always held her nightmares captive.

The night was growing, she would have to make camp here or risk spending the dark hours wandering the once familiar paths of the forest.

"We should stop here for tonight, Broom." Tauriel dismounted and landed with an almost silent thud. Within minutes, Broom was unsaddled and their small camp was made.

Broom made her way towards the saddle bags, years of traveling with Tauriel had taught her exactly which side held the food

"Patience, patience, you will eat when I eat." Tauriel smiled, gently pushing her snout away from the little food they had packed.

The elven, not quite hungry enough to eat, took up her bag and slowly started sifting through her belongings. Caringly, she laid each of them out by the flickering fire, savoring their memory as the stars twinkled above.

These were the only treasures she had left to her name: Kili's iron sword he had taken on the journey with him, a long bow Bard had made her and a quiver of different arrows she had collected from battles over the years, a leather bound journal Ori had given her before leaving for Moria, and the silly, scratchy blanket Annúndir had given her for her first night without Kili.

She only kept two pieces of jewelry she had inquired over the years. First, there was the cuff Dain had given her that very day with the same runes of the stone she had left beside Kili years ago and, secondly, a necklace Bain had given her the night of his coronation. Gently, she picked up the smooth, silk cloth that kept the necklace safe from harm and rested it on her lap.

The instant she pulled back the folds, the bright gems caught the firelight and danced in the space around her. The skillfully crafted piece was made of nothing more than silver and emeralds but all different colors filled the night.

As her slender hand caressed the priceless treasure, her thoughts drifted to that night a month or so ago.

The children she had tended to in their youth had become her companions and she had grown out of the role of mother hen long ago.

So it wasn't odd that, after she had shared fully in their loss, Bain had taken her by the hand and led them to the upper tower during the feast of the celebration of his coronation to have a moment alone with his friend.

Tauriel placed the necklace around her neck and lay back in the cool grass, closing her eyes.

"Can you believe it? This…" Bain had drawn his hand across the stone window in gesture to his kingdom, his sapphire eyes looking out in awe.

"It is a great gift, indeed." Tauriel had nodded, smiling as she gazed at the boy, now a man, who had yet to grow a full beard. His face was still as smooth as the day she had first met the bowman's son.

Tauriel and Bain had grown close as he came of age and they had become partners in crime, like her and Legolas once had been. It was hard to forget she had been his surrogate mother for years, for now she was simply his friend.

That night, Bain had turned to her with a smug look as he leaned against the open window, "I have a gift for you."

"For me?" Tauriel, who had been studying the flickering lights of the party below, turned to face her King.

Bain stood with a necklace held out between his hands, the moonlight caught the beautiful silver and made it shine like stars, "May I?" He asked, gesturing to her neck.

Tauriel turned and pulled back her hair as he gently placed it around her neck, "I have done nothing to deserve such a grand gift." She breathed, her hand gently touching the crafted gems.

Bain shrugged, fixing her hair to lay back in place, "It is crafted by the dwarves and the gems match your eyes. Truly, it was made for you. The constantly shifting of the green gems is just like the forest, just like you, Elvëa." He smiled, leaning forward so his head rested on her shoulder. Though Elves were usually taller than Men, Tauriel was short for her race and Bain was quite tall for his.

The elven archer bowed her head, "There is something I must discuss with you."

Bain nodded, knowing what she was about to say, "You are leaving." He made his way to stand before her, his soft copper eyes, just like his Father's, growing to that of a child instead of a man, "Is there anything I can say to make you stay?"

Tauriel caught her breath and shook her head, unable to trust her voice.

Sighing, the King leaned against the windowsill, "What will we do without you?" He turned back to her with a cheeky smile, "What if I asked you to marry me? Would you stay? You would have all the power and treasure and freedom you could want!" Bain looked back to her with pleading eyes.

Tauriel laughed through her tears, "I am almost 13 times your age!"

"Mum was older than Da." Bain smirked, folding his hands before him.

"I highly doubt she was 584 years older." Tauriel chided lightly, touched by his gesture to want her around, "Besides, your life is but a blink compared to the damnation of my long years. And…" She looked back to him with a smirk, trying to lighten the mood, "You have yet to grow a full beard."

"Not true!" He defended with a jutting of his chin, "I just prefer a clean face, like the Elves."

Tauriel's musical laughter trickled out and filled the small room, casting light in the dark place, "I might have taken your offer, if you preferred the facial hair of the dwarves." She jested to her friend.

A knowing thought filled the King's eyes, "Aye, I bet you would have."

Returning to the present, Tauriel smiled and held fast to the necklace.

It was one of her most prized treasured, but, just as she thought that, Broom came up and nosed her. Tauriel laughed and lovingly patted the horse's nose, "Apart from you, of course."

Broom was another gift to add to her list, a present from Bard. To show his support for the new King of Dale, Lord Elrond had gifted the King with a few of his prized mares and stallions, Broom had been the first foal born from the herd.

The mare's eyes held such a soft wisdom that Tauriel often thought of Tirnel, Annúndir's horse. Possibly, the two could be related, but there was never a way to be sure, unless she traveled to the distant kingdom.

She often thought about her kinsmen. In her thirty-three years as Adviser, she had only seen a handful of elves, and, though they had been respectful and kind, she knew she didn't truly belong to the race of Elves any longer. She was completely a friend of Man and Dwarf.

Tauriel carefully packed her treasures away, choosing to wear Bain's necklace for a while longer, and set to making dinner.

"Material things will never make up for the abstract." She mulled to herself, stoking the fire, "Companionship, love, belonging. They can't be bottled, but they are worth more than anything I will ever be able to touch."

Tauriel sat back, munching on a piece of bread while Broom ate her meal, "Maybe I should head south, to Moria. We haven't seen Ori in a couple years, I wonder if his beard has grown back since the firework accident?" She chuckled at the memory.

A twig snapping instantly silenced her. Tauriel was up with her bow poised, ready to fire, but her target was more than one arrow could handle.

At least ten elven guards surrounded her, their bows ready to fire like hers. There were probably more hidden throughout the trees, just out of sight.

Her eyes widened when she caught sight of the insignia on their banners, Rivendell.

Tauriel loosened her string and stood up. She held her bow loosely by her side as she stowed her arrow, showing she held no threat.

"Tauriel Athelas, Adviser to the King, Friend to Dwarf and Man."

Her eyes instantly flitted to the side of the circle, where the guards had separated to let their Captain through.

Annúndir walked by with his hand raised, a silent order for his company to stow their weapons, "It's been a while, Tauriel." He stopped and bowed his head, showing her unnecessary respect.

The she-elf bowed back, "Indeed it has, Annúndir." She slowly rose back up; remembering that the last time she had seen him was when Lord Elrond had bestowed his gift of a stable upon Bard.

"Now, what would the Adviser of the King being doing all the way out here without an escort?" His tanzanite eyes brightened and a small smile played at his lips. It was as if he already knew the answer to his question.

"I am going on a journey, quite a long one, actually." She replied, gesturing to her fire, "Would you care to join me for sup?"

"I think it would be more appropriate if we extend an invitation to you for supper." Annúndir looked at the respectable meal for one Tauriel had laid out for herself. He looked back at her with a glint in his eye, "Lord Elrond wishes me to bid you a greeting"

Tauriel rose her dark brow; a grin painting across her lips, "He does?"

"Yes. Our lord has said that you are welcome in our halls at any time and that he wishes you well on your journey."

The young she-elf smiled, remembering how, when she first met Annúndir, she had believed he held a gift similar to that of Lord Elrond's foresight.

"I think…" Tauriel wrinkled her nose, feeling the last draws of hesitation as she officially stepped outside her home, "I think I will have to take your gracious lord's offer sooner rather than later."

"I'm glad to hear it." Annúndir nodded, bowing his waist and gesturing back towards their camp, "We have just finished with a visit to the Iron Hills and will be returning to Rivendell before the next full moon, you are welcomed to join our company, but, first, you must have supper with us, so we may catch up."

Tauriel bowed back, "Very well."

She looked back to Annúndir with a soft smile, I guess I'm going west, to Rivendell. Her smile only grew.

XxX