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The moon rested high above her head, illuminating the city below. Stars stretched out across their familiar paths, enchanting in their comings and goings.

Tauriel made her way silently through the hall, her eyes captivated by the starlight. Her hand brushed against the cool pillar as she made her way around it onto the balcony. Standing here she felt as if she were flying high above the city. She was a bird, or maybe a star; no matter what she was, she knew she was no longer part of the world far below her.

"I will learn to live up to my name one day." She whispered to the night, her head remaining aloft as she saw nothing but the heavens above, "But, like a young sapling or pod, it will take time to grow. I will need your help to live up to my name, Amrâlimê."

She had spent the last few weeks at Rivendell; regaining her strength and learning about her kin as well as those from other Races. It was odd, to choose books over her sword and bow, but she was slowly learning to live apart from her weapons.

The full moon was reflected in the still water below, reminding her that another year had passed for her.

"634 years you have lived."

She smiled at the voice, lowering her head, but did not turn around.

"You are a youngling, yet your soul is not, just as your eyes are not. You have seen many things, Tauriel Athelas, there are many things yet to come."

Finally, she turned to Lord Elrond. Her eyes flitted to the gifts in his hand. He moved to the glistening table, setting his small bundle down, "You are truly beloved by all." He laid each bundle down as he spoke, "Elf." He laid down two familiar green leaf bundles with simple ties, they were modest but she knew they held something precious, "Dwarf." A metal box, finely craft and inlay with intricate patterns, "And, lastly, Man." She almost chuckled at the small, leather pouch with the familiar sigil. She was the one who had taught Bain how to make such a pouch, leave it to him to not forget her birthday. Not like she needed to celebrate another year when she had hundreds more to look forward to.

Finished, he tucked his hand into the opposing sleeve, waiting for her to explore the gifts.

She opened each in turn, giving them their well-deserved attention. From the Elves of Mirkwood, a ring once worn by the Beloved of Thranduil which was inlaid with the gems of starlight recaptured from the Lonely Mountain, and Lothlórien, a gathering of rare herbs and a note of blessing from the Lady. From the Dwarves, an unyielding dagger. And, lastly, from her home, Athelas from Kili's statue. It was her symbol; their symbol. The symbol of healing and home. She was being welcomed to return home. Tauriel held the gift fast to her chest, forcing back her tears.

"There is one last one." He pulled his hand free, a wrapped book in hand.

She bowed her head as she accepted the gift. With ease, she untied the string and pulled back the cloth. The gift was simple; the plain appearance concealed its grand power. An ancient book of healing. She opened the cover to find pressed Athelas hidden within and scrawls not only of Elvish, but of Dwarvish and the Language of Men and countless others. The Races had come together to share their healing knowledge. Setting aside all their differences, they had crafted this priceless treasure long ago before their divides had run too deep to master.

"You have such a life ahead of you, Tauriel Athelas." Lord Elrond towered above her, his face soft, "And I believe it is time for you to go home."

Tauriel looked up, giving a sad nod, "I believe you are right."

"I am actually surprised you have been able to stay away from the Lonely Mountain so long. The stories of your stubbornness are renowned." Lord Elrond said as the started down the path, "Tauriel Athelas, King's Advisor, Friend of Man, Daughter of Dwarf, Restored Friend of Mirkwood. And, now, Student of Rivendell." Lord Elrond listed her titles and with each one she found her head rising, her heart swelling with humbled pride, "What have you learned from your time away, little one?"

"That life does not end with death." Tauriel looked to her companion, amused by his quizzical brow. She thought of Kili, of Bard, "Those I love are gone from this world, but they live on still. Their memory is with me, and those I choose to share it with. I realize now that I have cut myself off for too long. I have assisted those in need, yes, and been an advisor and listening ear, but I have not allowed them to live alongside me, to let them grow close to me. I have hidden the past away, allowing pain to be my only companion, and refused to allow the wound to heal."

She remembered her parents and how she always refused to speak of them, preferring to hide from the pain. She had done the same with Kili's memory. She would hide no longer; she would share with those around her so that those she loved continued to live on. The pain was still there, but maybe, one day, it wouldn't be so heavy a burden.

"The hearts of Men and Dwarves can heal and learn to love again, but the Elves are gifted no such luxury."

Tauriel nodded, "Bard was right, I had to get away to find myself once more. I had grown content and stopped growing. If I didn't leave, I would never do anything but keep company with the dead." The pair had stopped, embracing the night's breeze. Tauriel closed her eyes, feeling her hair dance around her like an unleashed fire, "I have found the one my soul loves, the one it belongs to, but I need not mourn him any longer. We will be reunited one day, and I will patiently await that day. In the meantime, I will find my place among the living, to truly live among them and share myself with them and do my part to better this world."

Curiosity pulled at her elder, and he studied her closely, "Do you truly believe an Elf can be bound to a Dwarf?"

"I do not think." She turned to him, a soft touch to her lips, "I know it."

He inclined his head.

"Love can overcome all." She looked out to the starry scape, mesmerized by its beauty and memory, "I will overcome death to be with him one day, forever among the stars. Until that day, I will play my part in this grand story we find ourselves."

The pair continued on and were met at the stairs by one of the servants, who was holding Broom's reigns.

"We have given you enough provisions to take you to Dale. I bid you farewell and wish you blessings on your journey, Tauriel Athelas." Lord Elrond watched as she stowed her gifts safety in her pack before mounting, "Savo 'lass a lalaith!"

She nodded her head, accepting his words, "And to you, Lord Elrond, thank you." She gently stroked her mare's mane, "Come, Broom, it is time to go home."

The horse whinnied her agreement and started on her way without any more urge. Tauriel shared a final smile with the ruler of Rivendell before they started down the path. She left the beautiful city behind without a second glance.

Silence was her company for the many weeks journey. A lightness, which had been missing for so long, was restored to her, and she took joy once more in the night's stars instead of the guilt she once held so dear. She was anew; no longer just a lowly Silvan Elf. She was Tauriel Athelas, Advisor to the King, Friend of Man, Daughter of Dwarf and of Mirkwood, Student of Rivendell, and Beloved to Kili. No one could take that away from her, not even her own demons. She would be victorious in the end.

On the final leg of their journey, the forest of Mirkwood loomed before them, "Should we visit our old friends?" Tauriel looked to the left, where the dark forest path stretched out, before looking to the right, "Or enjoy the long route home?"

Broom ignored her and kept trotting towards the right, the one she had come to associate with Dale. Like her rider, the mare was ready to be home.

"We will stop in another time." She smiled wistfully at the forest, remembering her youth. Once, in their silly childish games, Legolas had stolen a kiss and said he loved her; she had no response to him then and had brushed his words aside.

Could I have learned to love him? She questioned. The answer was no, it came to her before she had even finished the question. He had been her childhood companion, the one she trusted to be by her side in battle. In that sense, she did love him. But she would never be able to return the affections he felt; there would always be a hollowness no matter whose hand she accepted.

No, she would accept no one's hand, for she was crafted for a different life. She would never celebrate the wedding festivities or know the joys of motherhood; and she was content in her lost. She would never change the world, but she would change the minds and hearts of everyone she came by.

The grand city of Dale slowly grew before her, its white sides glistening and shinning brilliantly in the dawn. She patted Broom, taking a moment to pause before her journey came to its end, "Look, Broom, we're home."

Quietly, she made her way into the city and did her best to conceal herself. Her eyes caught sight of a young tree, one which would be a grand oak one day. A small smile touched her lips as she remembered the Hobbit. What hope and strength in one so small.

Broom continued on the well-worn path, knowing the road well as the looming mountain steadily grew closer. Soon enough, they were by the entrance where the familiar statues stood. Dismounting, Tauriel allowed Broom her freedom as she paid her respects. She lingered before Kili's statue, admiring the face that had been carved so long ago.

"Amrâlimê." She dropped her head, embracing the tears that came so she wouldn't hold onto them anymore. Her broken heart poured forth, relieving her of its burden. Her hand fumbled in her pocket, turning the precious stone over and over again. Finally, she pulled it from her pocket and let it drink up the warm sun. Without pause, she pulled back part of her beloved plant and hid the stone within. Her hands pressed onto the hidden treasure, biding her final farewell.

"Elvëa?" A familiar, boyish voice beckoned.

She turned around, joy encompassing her when she laid eyes on her king. His smile was hidden behind his growing beard, but it was there, just as bright and sweet as always. The boy she had watched turn into a man; the one she had a hand in raising and taught everything she knew. In that moment, she saw her life's work and she knew her purpose.

As if he were still a child, he ran towards her and the pair tightly embraced. She held him fast, kissing his head chastely. Gold, knowledge, power; there was no greater treasure than those one loved.

A clearing throat brought them back to the present and the pair parted, though still holding fast to one another's hand, as they looked to the new comers.

Dain dismounted his ram with a rowdy smile, "Eh, Tauriel Athelas!" The pair grabbed one another's forearms in greeting, sharing a knowing smile, "It is good to 'ave ye back!"

She inclined her head, "It is good to be home."

"There is someone I want ye to meet." He pulled back, holding his arm out in introduction. A female dwarf stepped forward, smaller in stature with a familiar mess of dark curls. The eyes which met Tauriel's told who she was before Dain could continue.

"This is Dís, sister to Thorin, mother of Kili and Fili. She comes to us from the Blue Mountains, to return to her proper 'ome."

Tauriel was torn between formally bowing and rushing forward to fall before the woman who had lost so much.

Dís held out her hand, a mother's softness to her smiled, "I have waited a long while to meet you, Tauriel Athelas."

Childlike, Tauriel started forward. She towered above all her companions, and yet in that moment she was the smallest one. She accepted the offered hand and slowly knelt before her.

Boldly, Dís took a gentle hold of Tauriel's face and brushed away the silent tears, "What a beauty; never was there a gentler face, a stronger spirit, and a purer heart. No wonder he loved you."

Without the Elf noticing, Dain nodded for the King to follow him and give the two their privacy.

Tauriel covered the Dwarf's hands with hers. Taking in an easy breath, she hesitantly met her eyes, "I'm sorry I couldn't save him." And, just like that, the past's demons tempted her to return. Her resolve began to buckle; old habits always died the hardest. Her eyes wandered to the hidden stone, wondering if Kili's final gift to her had been what lost him his life. If only he had kept it with him, then maybe…

"I heard of all that you did, you did save him." Dís replied firmly to Tauriel, banishing her tormentors as only a mother can, "In the end, he had your love and, even now, you keep his memory alive. You saved him, child, and you do him a great honor by continuing on."

Still, the Elf's tears fell. While Tauriel felt as if she was failing, she was, indeed, taking a powerful step as she unknowingly forged her way through the darkness. Sharing her pain with a trusted companion, embracing the events of the past, was the only way to truly overcome them.

"Why don't I tell you about his youth, hmm?" Dís asked, her own heart finding its own closure in the presence of her son's beloved.

Tauriel nodded and the pair moved to sit in the soft, plush grass before the statues.

"Oh, where to begin?" Dís mused, "Of course! With his first bow." She turned to Tauriel with a sweetness she could scarcely remember: the love of a mother, "His first gift was a bow, given to him by his Uncle Thorin, of course." She tsked as any parent would, shaking her head lightly, "You have no idea how many times I had to patch up Fili that year…"

The sun drew to rest high overhead as Dís shared her cherished memories, and still the pair wasn't ready to part as the evening wind set in.

Tauriel drank in her words, finding life within them. That Dís was allowing her to share in the stories was the most meaningful part, and they only served to deepen her love for the Dwarf.

Bain could only stay away for so long and eventually he returned with a few blankets and a meal to share, accompanied by his sisters and Dain and a few others who had shared her past. They all kept close together, savoring the fulfilling wholeness of the gathering. They knew they would be parted again one day, but such thoughts did not belong to this moment.

The sun was setting in the sky, the stars just beginning to make their appearance, when Dís turned to Tauriel, "Is it fair of me to ask you to share your stories?"

Tauriel looked around at the familiar faces surrounding her, all her truest friends and companions, and smiled, "I would love to share them."

And she did.

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