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Hey, what is your top favorite Hobbit story on FF? I want to read something new, but feel like I've gone through just about every one out there. Send me your top (completed) pick so I can check it out and hopefully I won't have already read it. I don't care if it's Fili, Thorin or Kili featured as the love interest in the tale. And I don't mind a Female-Bilbo either, but seeing our boys with OCs is always fun. Thanks!

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Chapter 21

~X~

Kili couldn't believe it! He was kissing Tauriel, and she seemed to be enjoying it! This encouragement spurred him on, and within seconds they were both locked in a rather heated embrace, all the pent-up feelings they had been experiencing over the past months rushing out in a flood of emotion.

Eventually, they pulled back to catch their breath, yet the happy grin they both wore only encouraged them to come together once more, their second kiss even more satisfying than the first. This went on for some time, not wishing to call it quits or be parted from one another. Unfortunately, both were so wrapped up in the kiss that neither one heard the door to the gardens open…nor the sound of the many footsteps heading inside.

"BY THE VALLAR!" Thranduil gasped, catching sight of his captain and the dwarf prince. "WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?"

"That's what I would like to know as well!" Thorin all but roared, storming over as he took Kili by the arm and pulled him away from the elf lass. "Have you lost all your good sense?"

Both Tauriel and Kili were at a loss for what to say, looking around at all the accusing eyes leveled upon them. Granted, a few were more sympathetic than accusatory, such as Fili, Jade, and oddly enough…Legolas. Yet Thorin, Thranduil, and Dis did not look pleased at all.

"You had best have a good explanation for this, Kili!" Thorin demanded. "When we saw that you had disappeared from the dance floor, we came looking in fear that you had been taken prisoner! Yet, it would appear that something else is going on entirely!"

"Is this some plot to extract information about my kingdom's defenses?" Thranduil accused. "Has your nephew drugged my captain in order to get secrets from her?"

"NO! I would never!" Kili objected firmly, pulling away from Thorin and going to stand beside Tauriel. "My only intention for bringing her here was to speak privately…and to tell her of my feelings. That is all."

"YOUR FEELINGS?" Once more Thorin's voice rose to the level of shouting. "What feelings could you have for an elf, beside distrust and hatred?"

"Uncle, you don't mean that!" Fili broke in, looking over at Thranduil in apology. "We have since made peace with the Woodland Realm…do not undo all that with a few ill-placed words."

"Unfortunately, your king is correct, young prince," the elf lord countered, his face remaining cold and stern. "It is said that dwarves never forgive, and they never forget…perhaps it was foolish of me to ever assume that peace could replace the bad blood between our races."

"No! That's not true!" Kili protested. "Sure, there've been mistakes on both sides, but now is not the time to try and rehash old grievances. We should be building on the fact that we all stood together as one and fought against a common foe. Mordor and its dark forces are our enemies now…not each other!"

"He is right, Uncle," Fili chimed in, still hoping to salvage this night and not return to a state of war. "If we cannot put aside our past hatred during a time of peace…how can we ever expect to do so when war is upon us. The elves and the men are our allies, and we need to treat them as such…not with accusations and suspicion!"

This had everyone in the room silent, each one feeling rightly chastised by the two prince's words. Thorin and Thranduil appeared the most shamed after hearing such wisdom spoken by the young, and after a few grunts of agreement from the dwarf lord and a nod of approval from the elf king, everyone began to breathe a bit easier.

"However, this still does not explain what we just walked in on," Thranduil was quick to point out. "If this wasn't some elaborate plot to gain information, then what is it?"

"It was a plot, I fear, Your Majesty," Jade spoke up, stepping forward with her hands laced together in front of her. "A plot devised by me alone…one meant to give Kili and Tauriel a few moments of privacy."

"For what purpose?" Dis questioned, shocked by the actions of her young protégé.

"So that I could at long last confess my love for Tauriel, Amad," Kili admitted proudly, looking up at the elf with a smile. "She is the maid who saved my life after that morgal arrow nearly killed me. She risked everything to come find me and heal my wound. She is also the one who rescued Fili from certain death when Azog had him held captive. If she hadn't shot that foul beast in the shoulder, my brother would not be alive today. For those two acts, I am forever in her debt because of it."

"If this is true, then I think we all owe her a debt of gratitude," Dis nodded, somewhat shocked to hear how this elf had saved her lads. "Still, repaying a debt does not require the giving of one's heart."

"Nor does it demand such intimate activities as we just walked in on!" Thorin added. "Unless of course that is some odd elf thing we know nothing about, and in that case, you are not obligated to cow to their rules, Kili!"

"This has nothing to do with any of that!" Kili huffed, feeling as if everyone was ganging up on him. "I love her, pure and simply! And she loves me!"

"Say this isn't so, Tauriel!" Thranduil gasped, taking a step back at the mere idea. "How could you ever have feelings for this…this…dwarf."

"Very easily it would seem," the brave lass spoke up. "I did my best to deny it when love began to grow within my heart, but I was helpless. The more I fought it, the more miserable I became, until I knew that giving in was my only option. I waited months to see him again, wondering if the feelings would still be there, and they were…stronger than ever. He has confessed his love for me, and I for him. We will not be dissuaded, nor will we be parted."

"And if I forbid this union?" Thorin questioned, eyeing Kili sternly.

"Then I will leave Erebor and go live in the woods with Tauriel," Kili stated firmly.

"You presume much to assume that you would be welcome in my realm, dwarf," Thranduil sneered, acting as if he would view it as an infestation worse than that of the spiders.

"Then Kili and I will leave together and find another place that will accept us!" Tauriel stated, holding her head high.

"No! I will not see my family torn apart like this!" Dis cried out, placing her hand over her heart in fear. "I just got you all back, I will not have you taken away from me again, Kili." She then turned and slapped Thorin hard across the arm, making him flinch. "Fix this! Now!"

"And exactly how am I to do that?" Thorin demanded, seeing no solution to such a perplexing dilemma. "Your son wants to marry an elf!"

"Then…let him," came Jade's suggestion. When all eyes turned to her, she cleared her throat and stepped forward. "I know I have no say in all this, and I'm pretty much the one to blame for the trouble my little plot got everyone into…but what would be so bad about letting Kili marry Tauriel? If they're in love, I say good for them!"

"And do you think the inhabitants of Erebor will simply accept their prince marrying an elf?" Thorin asked in a skeptical tone. "That they will not think that he has lost his mind, or that the line of Durin is cursed even more than we already thought it was? They would never permit it."

"Oh, I'm sorry, and here I thought that you were king around here, Thorin Oakenshield," Dis pointed out. "If you were to accept this…why wouldn't they?"

"BUT I DON'T!" Thorin argued.

"Nor do I," Thranduil added.

"Well, you are going to have to get used to the idea or risk them leaving for parts unknown this very night!" Fili stated, crossing his arms over his chest in a sign of anger. "He is my little brother, and I will not see him tossed out on his ear after all he has done to see this kingdom reclaimed. He deserves better than that, Uncle, and you know it."

Once again, silence reigned supreme, with everyone looking at the two lovers, acting as if there could be no solution. Finally, Jade once again spoke up, her quiet voice betraying her trepidation.

"You know, Your Majesty…there is a way that you could turn this into an advantage," she suggested. "I mean, King Thranduil did come here to form an alliance with the dwarves of Erebor. And what better way to solidify such a contract than through a marriage? I've heard of it being done many times in the past, as well as in the present." And while no one seemed to be jumping at her idea, when no one forcibly silenced her either, Jade pressed on. "Just think about how selfless you two would appear to your people, offering up your nephew and your captain of the guard to seal a pact of friendship between your two races. This way, Kili and Tauriel would not be looked upon as traitors…but as martyrs!"

"NO! ABSOLUTLY NOT!" Thorin fumed. "I swore long ago that my heirs would never be forced into a political marriage! I was nearly backed into such a fate myself once, and I will not have Fili or Kili enter into such a heartless bargain! They will marry for love and no other reason!"

"But I will be marrying for love!" Kili protested. "Please, Uncle, if you are not cruel enough to force me into a loveless marriage, why would you deny me a marriage to one I do love? I choose Tauriel, above all the dwarrowdams in all the seven dwarf kingdoms. I beg of you to please understand…and give us your blessing."

"Jade's idea just might work," Dis said softly, laying her hand on Thorin's arm as she did her best to temper his rage. "If you two play it up like she said, you would both come off looking like true kings - ones willing to put the needs of their people ahead of their own. And if it makes my baby happy in the process…where is the harm?"

"Oh, I see a great deal of harm!" Thorin fussed. "First of all, we will have an elf inside Erebor…living among us! What if this is all some elaborate scheme so that she can spy on us for her king?"

"Tauriel is no spy!" Kili stated, springing to her defense. "I will vouch for her, and swear that she means no harm to me, or our kingdom."

"And I will swear to such a thing as well, King Thorin," Tauriel assured him, bowing her head in reverence to the dwarf lord.

"This is for the best," Dis broke in, glaring at her brother. "For not only will it fortify this treaty, it will save me from having to take off your head if you make my son leave this mountain in order to be with this…" Here Dis stopped and looked up at Tauriel a bit sheepishly. "I'm sorry, dear…what does your kind call your females?"

"I am an elleth, Lady Dis," Tauriel answered, touched that she would even care to ask.

"Yes…elleth, that makes sense," Dis nodded, turning back to Thorin. "As I was saying, only by allowing my son to court this elleth will you live to see another day, do you hear me Thorin Oakenshield?" When her forceful words earned a snort of humor from Thranduil, Dis turned on him next. "And as for you! You too will give your blessing on this, allowing Tauriel to do as she pleases, even if that means being with my son! Our two kingdoms need each other, whether you like it or not, and if this is the way to achieve peace between our races, then you owe it to every one of your people to see that this match is supported!"

This time it was Thranduil who stood there in gaping silence, not having had a female speak to him like this since before his beloved wife had died…and oddly enough, he found he missed it.

"Now, how about the two of you go back to the banquet hall and discuss how this will all come about, making certain that both of you come out looking good in the matter?" Dis quite forcefully suggested. "Fili, you and Jade go as well, since it would not do for so many of the royal family to be absent during a diplomatic dinner. Meanwhile, I will stay here and get to know my future daughter-in-law." Once more she glared at the two kings, pointing her finger at them in a warning gesture. "I'm certain if you two manage to put your stubborn heads together, we can have this settled immediately and announce the marriage tomorrow." She then waved her hands at the two stunned kings. "Now, shoo! This treaty isn't going to write itself, and I will not hear one word about you two disagreeing on a single point, understood?"

And while neither Thorin or Thranduil appeared overly eager to do as Dis instructed, neither were they foolish enough to argue with her. And with great reluctance, they turned and headed out, preparing to set to work on this ruse of a marriage treaty.

"[I knew inviting elves inside Erebor was a mistake,]" were Thorin's last grumbling words in Khuzdul as they left the room.

"You two as well," Dis urged Fili and Jade. "And do make a good show of there being nothing the matter, will you? I seriously can't believe how much subterfuge we've had to create to keep both of you happy and in good standing. This isn't a royal court, it's a royal circus!"

"Yes, Amad," Fili grinned, giving Kili a wink of approval before taking Jade by the hand and leading her towards the door. Yet, Jade tugged him to a stop.

"What about Prince Legolas?" she questioned, pointing at the tall blond elf, who had up till now remained silent. "Shouldn't he come with us?"

"Someone must remain and serve as a chaperone," he said with a wide smile. "The Lady Dis is all good and well, but she is not privy to the standards that elves are governed by when courting. I will officially serve in this capacity for Tauriel…for unlike my father, I am happy that my friend has found her chosen mate." He then looked down at Kili rather thoughtfully. "Even if he is a short dwarf." When Dis opened her mouth to protest, he held up his hand. "No offense intended."

"And none taken…for I am shorter than you, and I am a dwarf," Kili grinned, only too happy to have at least one of Tauriel's company on their side. "So, tell me…what are some of your customs when it comes to courting? For I want to do this right." And taking Tauriel's hand in his, he brought it up to his lips as he kissed it reverently. "At last I have exactly what I want, and I don't plan on messing this up!"

"If I know you, and I think I do, little brother…you will," Fili laughed, earning him a stern glare from Jade. "However, by the way you two are looking at one another, I believe that you both will be more than willing to overlook a mistake or two." He then gave a formal bow to Tauriel, his adorable dimples showing as he graced her with a wide smile. "On behalf of the house of Durin, allow me to formally welcome you to Erebor…and soon into our family, Lady Tauriel."

"While I thank you very much for your gracious words, Prince Fili," the red-haired elleth began. "I assure you that I am no lady, just a simple Silvan elf of the Woodland Realm."

"Don't even attempt to talk them out of calling you that," Jade broke in with a roll of her eyes. "It took some getting used to for me as well, but they seem to believe it is a must and would go against custom to call you anything else."

"Oh…well, then I will not object further," Tauriel agreed, looking over at Kili with a nervous smile. "I would hate to inadvertently offend anyone, thus you may call me what you like."

"How about my goddess? Or my greatest treasure?" Kili suggested, loving the sound of such things on his lips. "My flame?"

"I think it best that we leave immediately before he gets any more nauseating," Fili whispered into Jade's ear, pulling her towards the door. "And if I recall…you did promise me a dance or two."

"That I did, Your Highness," she giggled, loving the way that Kili and Tauriel stared at each other with such affection in their eyes. It truly was infectious, and suddenly, Jade knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she wanted Fili to look at her the very same way…forever.

Looks like all the smoochy-lovey-dovey stuff between Kili and Tauriel has nudged Jade in the right direction!

And way to go Dis...she was not about to let her baby boy be sent away, and she laid down the law.

Jade did a fine job of pointing out that a political marriage would be accepted more than a love match...and I think it just might work. IF the two kings can just stop fighting long enough for it to happen.

And please remember to send me your top Hobbit FF pick! Thanks.

Guest Reviews

Guest: Wow...read ALL 20 chapters in one sitting? You need to get some sleep! Glad you are enjoying it. And yes, I too like stories that take us beyond the retaking of Erebor, and where our lads all live! And while I do favor Fili, I could never have a story about one without the other...they are kind of a package deal. ha ha. Thanks again for your kind review. T.O.W.G.

Aranel Mereneth: True, when they found Jade and Fili, they were only laying on top of each other. Kili and Tauriel were joined at the lips! I'm sure Thorin will be shaking his head and wondering where he went wrong with those two lads. ha ha. But fear not, Dis took care of everything, and Thorin and Thranduil better hop-to and do as she says. Thanks.

Nala: Yes, but I have found that Kili is far more impetuous than Fili...he takes his time, thinks about stuff, and then acts. where Kili just blurts things out. ha ha. They could each learn a bit from the other in ways of love I think. ha ha. Disaster was thankfully averted, as you just read. All thanks to Dis and Jade. Dams rule the mountain. ha ha. Thanks.

Emrfangirl: Yeah...I could see Kili telling Fili "Man, you just have to grab Jade and kiss her, it's awesome, you should totally try it!" But sadly, as you pointed out, he might not live long enough to say such words. ha ha. And as you saw, it looks like Thorin and Thranduil tied for most upset. Dis adjusted well I think, and saved the day. Thanks.

Travelbug: Ch. 11 = Yes, sadly, Kili is feeling left out. He needs a woman of his own I think. ha ha. And Fili and Jade are playing their part well...maybe toooo well. Ch. 12 = Yep, Kili is too sweet to hold a grudge and Jade is not about to let him feel left out. And yes, we will see Tauriel. And no, it was not something sinister...just a cave in. Ch. 13. = I'm happy you saw my message...I never know how fast a guest reader reads, so I hoped you would see it. And WHAT? Kili can't be a matchmaker? Well there goes his ambitions in life. ha ha. Oh yes, this was one time Fili would have happily gone along with his brother's silliness. "Yes, please, give her my hand in marriage...in fact, give her both!" Ch. 14 = Yes, I must tease you. This is a slow burn kind of story...that and once they start smooching, they like it so much that I have to keep writing it all the time. ha ha. Ch. 15 = Right! Who listens to Thorin...no one in his family, that's for sure! And her family history will be revealed...in time. *wink* Ch. 16 = I think Thorin would swallow his tongue if he caught them kissing. ha ha. And yep, Cousin Brayden is on the way! Ch. 17 = Of course everyone wants to protect Jade...she's likable. And Dwalin IS a big old softie! I just want to snuggle him...if he would let me. ha ha. Ch. 18 = I thought it would be fun to have Brayden tell some stories. And yes, he likes Fili...who wouldn't? As for who her family is...well, we all hope in the end it will be Fili! ha ha. Ch. 19 = Really, anything Jade comes up with HAS to be better than anything Kili would devise. ha ha. And yes, Jade is good with elves...but is she sneaky enough to pull one over on Thranduil? Ch. 20 = NOW you are all caught up! Good for you! Sadly, now that means you have to wait for the last chapters like everyone else. *sad face* As you saw, everyone found them at once...so there was no way to salvage the situation. However, between Jade's suggestions, and Dis laying down the law, things worked out in the end. Thanks again for leaving reviews for EVERY chapter...not too many do that when they find a story with a bunch of chapters written...or one that is all finished. I really appreciate your diligence. T.O.W.G.