Chap. 6

Arrivals- Lady Dis

Tauriel sat at the far end of the table in the tent, her face neutral as three sets of dwarven eyes gazed at her. She was smiling on the inside. Not just because she had an excellent hand of cards but because she knew that all three Sons of Durin were annoyed with how well she could hide her emotions. They all had been so busy preparing for the meetings to come in a few weeks that when it showed signs of heavy snowfall throughout the day, the three dwarfs and one elf decided to tuck in and rest. None of them emerged from their beds till late morning. A dwarf servant bringing them breakfast in bed and piles of books for them to read. At the present time they were now enjoying some card games and Tauriel was winning every hand played. A week had gone by sense Awiel arrived and Tauriel was starting to feel more like herself. She was happy getting to help both humans and dwarves each day and the days were quite full: putting her healing skills to good use assisting Oin in the mornings, going over tactical plans with Dwalin (who was becoming less sour each day), helping train the dwarf guards' mid-day, working to teach Bard's archers how to shoot late in the afternoons, followed up by more training with the women archers to begin rudimentary skills with a dagger. Half of the days the elf guards she had picked from Rivendell would train with the dwarfs and vice versa with the men of Dale. Tomorrow they were all to start learning how to work as a cohesive group. Kili would come with her some afternoons to provide the learning archers additional advice. It frustrated the young prince that he was not allowed to shoot himself yet, but he had a long way to go before he fully recovered from the orc poison. It still tainted his wound, making it hard for him to even hold up his arm for the briefest of moments. Tauriel knew her beloved darrow was annoyed but reminded him that they at least got to spend some time together alone for a change. Their walks lingered to and from the camp and the training yard, the pair stopping behind a tree or finding an empty ally way to steal a lingering kiss.

They were all so focused on their game that if not for Tauriel's keen sense of hearing, the visitor who just quietly appeared in the tent would easily have had the upper hand if she were a foe. However, the new arrival was not a foe and Tauriel, who was facing towards the entrance of the tent, knew immediately whom the darrow-dam standing there was. Lady Dis was short compared to her brother and sons but she had the same regal stature in her stance. Tauriel could clearly see the worry lines that framed her Durin blue eyes. She had long, brown hair that went down to her back with braids down the side of her face that looked just like Thorin's till they twisted midway and wrapped around to keep her long hair held back. There were four smaller braids, two on each side that hung loosely by her ears. They each had a bead in them. Baring a dwarven insignia on them, three she recognized as Thorin's, Fili's, and Kili's. Tauriel could only guess the one insignia she did not recognize. She guessed it was probably Dis' husbands and Tauriel couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness course through her.

She wore the royal family Durin blue. A high waisted blue dress that was adorned with gold stitching in an intricate pattern. It looked to be a similar design to Thorin's and what he wore on his own clothing, but the pattern was slightly different. The design had more curves and loops making it appear more feminine. She wore on top of the dress a full-length purple vest, lined with soft fur. A simple, leather belt was wrapped high around her waist adorned with a silver clasp matching the stitching on her dress to hold the vest closed. High and sturdy dwarven boots were laced all the way up but still showed a delicate side to the female dwarf standing in front of her. Lastly, Dis wore large gold hoops in her ears and a single ring on her right thumb. Tauriel was about to announce their visitor but Dis shook her head quickly and gave the elf a cheeky smile before speaking for herself.

"This is how I am welcomed? You all idling about? Playing card games and paying no mind to your poor amad and namad?" The tone in her voice was incredulous but Tauriel could also hint a note of amusement. The three male dwarf's heads shot up and Tauriel had never seen Fili or Kili move so fast so they could greet their mother. She enveloped them both in one big group hug, quietly muttering "ghivashel" to them tenderly, and then proceeded to look them over from head to toe. Thorin had risen as well but gave his sister time to dote over her sons before making his own approach. Once Dis was satisfied that her boys were doing well, and after Kili reassured her for the fifth time that his arm was truly on the mend, she turned to her brother. She gave him a long hug as a few tears rolled down her cheek.

"Nadad. I am pleased to see you all in one piece. Thank you for keeping my boys, and yourself safe"

"Namad. I wish I could say I kept true to my word. We did not come out of this venture unmarred, and I cannot in good faith say I was the one who kept your sons safe." At this he looked at Tauriel briefly then turned backed to look at Dis, "We have been fortunate to gain new allies on this venture and your sons fought honorably themselves. You would have been proud of their dedication to me and their courage in the heart of battle." Tauriel watched the worry return to Dis eyes. The woman took in everything Thorin just relayed to her and gave him a curt nod.

"We learn from our mistakes Thorin. We learn and we grow. Both you and the boys have learned from this, and it is not fair of me to criticize what has happened. You made your choices. Some good ones recently I've heard have come to pass. I look forward to hearing about this meeting you are planning to host," She gave her brother a light squeeze on his arm and then turned her gaze to Tauriel, "Is this the elf?"

"It is." Kili answered with pride in his voice.

"Do not linger dear. Please come over." It was a very polite but still very regal command. Tauriel nodded her head and got up from the table doing her best to act as calm as possible, holding back any sign she was nervous. Making her way to the matriarch of the family, she went through different ways in her head on how to greet the intimidating darrow-dam. Bowing, Tauriel went with simply speaking softly and putting as much respect in her tone as she could to the dam that she was now standing in front of,

"It's an honor to finally meet you Lady Dis. I have heard many great things about you."

"As I have of you, but I would like to know more in detail." Dis responded kindly then quickly added, "And call me Dis dear. No need to be so formal with me."

Tauriel looked to Kili locking eyes as he gave her a quick nod and an encouraging smile for what she was about to do next. Taking a slow breath, Tauriel reached into a hidden pocket within her tunic. Keeping eye contact with Dis, Tauriel softly took one hand in hers and gently placed a small, smooth object into Dis open palm. They held eye contact for several moments, Dis looking at the elf in amazement and then broke the contact to look down and confirm what was placed in her hand. There, laying in her now shaking fingers was Kili's ruin stone. The promise to come back to his mother fulfilled. What Dis did next Tauriel could never have predicted. She pulled Tauriel down into the tightest hug she ever received. It seemed to last forever until Thorin spoke up.

"Dis, let our elf breathe!" Before letting Tauriel go she quietly whispered into her ear.

"Thank you for bringing him back to me," she then released Tauriel from her vice like grip, smoothed the skirts of her dress down to compose herself then addressed the room, "Now then, why don't we all head back to the table, and you can show me the game you have been playing? Tales of your adventures can wait till later at dinner."

"I'll send word for Balin and Dwalin to join us," Thorin said as they all started to move back to their seats. Kili took a detour over to the stove and started to drag the blue chair over for his mam with one good arm.

"Who is winning?" Dis asked looking at Kili in discontent.

"The elf," Fili grumbled out noticing his mam's look and he went over to help Kili who was now outright struggling to move the chair with only one good arm and a bum leg. Dis gave Fili a stern look as well but turned a smile towards Tauriel.

"I'll sit with you then dear, and you can teach me what not to do."

The next couple of hours were spent with Tauriel teaching Dis several card games. Most of which they of course won. Tauriel's beloved blackberry tea was enjoyed along with Thorin's new love of Longbottom Leaf, curtesy of Bilbo. Thorin had dropped several hints to the Hobbit that he would need to bring more when he came back to visit after the delegations were done.

"I can look to send some to you as well," Bilbo mentioned during a visit. Thorin gave a small shrug of the shoulders before answering,

"That is fine but that only means we don't get to enjoy your company."

"I will strive to visit often then" was the half-lings final response. Tauriel was brought out of her musings by Thorin's gruff voice.

"I suppose we should clean off the table. Balin and Dwalin should be here soon for dinner," he looked at Tauriel, "is my friend still giving you a hard time at trainings?"

"No. He has gotten much better, thank you Thorin for helping with that." As if summoned by their names, the two brothers came striding into the tent not bothering to introduce themselves. Granted, Tauriel mused, when together they were loud enough to be heard miles away.

"Ho, ho! There she is! There is our jewel of a cousin!" Balin crowed as he made a beeline towards Dis and engulfed her in a hug that seemed to rival the one she gave Tauriel earlier that day. Dis laughed loudly and then laughed even more once Balin set her down and Dwalin picked her up to spin her around.

"By jove, you have gotten younger and prettier on us Dis love!"

"Can't say the same for you," Dis teased back as Thorin grumbled at Dwalin to put his sister down. Balin came over to Tauriel next, and to her surprise, grabbed her around the waist, tipped her backwards, and gave the top of her hand a lingering kiss.

"Looking lovely as always Tauriel dear," and she could not help but giggle. Kili came over to push his mentor off her and voiced her own thoughts,

"You two have been drinking! I thought you had to meet with Bard this afternoon. To start planning accommodations for visiting guests."

"Aye. Had some kind of clear, tart drink with the man after discussing current availability which includes accommodations for you Thorin." Balin said not even trying to deny the accusation.

"Balin, we've been over this," Thorin started but was interrupted by his sister.

"Sweet cousin, please don't tell me my noble, idiotic brother has been refusing living arrangements."

"He has," Fili pipped up, having finished up clearing off the table and was now starting to set it for supper. Thorin glared at his oldest nephew and then looked to his sister.

"I've had my own meetings with Bard and Dain. I want his people and our people to have a roof over their heads before me. End of story."

"Somehow that includes us too mam," Fili interrupted again ignoring the second death glare Thorin sent his way. Tauriel felt it was wise to just stay silent and went over to the table, dragging Kili with her, so they could finish help setting up and everyone could sit down to talk. Maybe they could eat as well.

"The issue is no longer valid," Balin stated having taken a seat when he noticed the table was finally ready for diner. Tauriel began motioning for everyone else to take a seat before heading over to the stacks of food that were just brought in. Dis followed her over to the stand holding the various trays of assorted meat, vegetables, cheese, and breads. They laid them out as Kili went to fetch a jug of red wine to have with the meal.

"And how is the issue no longer valid?" Thorin asked piling meat up high onto his plate before, begrudgingly talking some vegetables Tauriel passed to him. She got a look from Dis that expressed she was impressed with the elf and then a complete look of shock when both Fili and Kili put some on theirs willingly. Tauriel gave her a small shrug and smiled.

"Bard mentioned over the next week he will be able to move all his people into safe, dry living quarters in addition to the spaces he is making for the visitors that we plan to host. Almost all of them will be housed by the end of the month. He has made available a space for you, your nephews and Tauriel," Balin turned towards Dis, "I'm sure he can make a space for you as well."

"Nuf! I will let my people rest for a day or two and then we will continue for Erebor. I will take with me those who have recovered enough from the battle that are able to travel," she turned towards Thorin and leveled him with a stern look, "and you will accept the offer for rooms here at Dale. I know you said you are not ready to come back to Erebor yet but for Mahal's sake stop punishing yourself."

Dis left no room for further argument by Thorin but Tauriel knew this battle of wills was not over. She also knew that she could seek out rooms of her own, but she did not want to abandon Kili, nor his uncle or brother. She was content to stay with them in the tent for now knowing once they changed living quarters her sleeping arrangements would change as well. In truth, while she was probably fine to sleep on her own now, she was greedy. She wanted to keep her dwarf to herself for a little bit longer. She stayed in her own little world for a while as they ate. Observing Dis more and as always watching Kili until she was brought into the conversation about their journey to Erebor when the tale got to Mirkwood and the spiders. From there she shared her own adventure with Legolas. How they captured the dwarfs. Her favorite part, the late-night conversations with Kili in the cells before the dwarfs escaped. "How did the hobbit get by us?" she had mused. Making the choice to chase after the orcs. Finding Kili in Lake Town and saving him from the poison of the morgul blade. At this part of her story, she noticed Dis go a little white. Making the harder choice to leave with Legolas at the lakes shore to follow the orcs that led them to Dol Guldur.

"I should have not left you meleth nin." Tauriel looked to Kili having paused in her part of the story. Kili took her hand in his and gave it a soft kiss.

"You did what you thought was right at the time. Just like you choose to defy Thranduil and leave Mirkwood to chase after the orcs. Like you choose to go to Ravenhill to help us." Tauriel could not help but smile at his sincere words. In the corner of her eye, she could see his mother smile as well. By the time they had finished the long tale, the dwarf version, and the elf version, Dis was shaking her head. Standing up, she approached Tauriel with determined focus and the elf found herself in another bone crushing hug. A quiet "thank you" was whispered in her ear and then the darrow-dam sat back down as they all proceeded to finish their meal.

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After a full day of consistent badgering by Dis, Thorin finally caved into his sisters demands. So, two days after Dis' arrival, Kili was now walking with his family towards Dale to inspect and accept the accommodations offered by Bard. They were asked to make a list of anything specific that they would want added to the rooms and would talk it over dinner with the new king later in his own new quarters. The only one not with them currently was Tauriel. While he missed her presence, as she was currently working with Oin in the healing tent, he thought her absence would provide the prime opportunity to talk to Thorin and his Ma about Tauriel's desire to learn their customs and Khuzdul. He pulled his brother aside after breakfast and ran his idea past Fili who agreed with him, it was time to talk about Tauriel's requests. They spent an hour before leaving going over various scenarios as how to broach the subject but as they walked, Kili still ran over multiple other ways to ask through his head. He was unaware of the other conversations spoken around him until Dis broke through his thoughts.

"Kili, my precious ghivashel. You are awfully quiet. Are you ok?" she asked as they neared the north tower of Dale. It was a section of the city where the nobles would have lived, so the rooms were lager and more spacious than the average home. There was one large kitchen located in the cellar of the tower where servants used to live. Their main responsibilities having been to cook and clean for the nobles. Bard mentioned he'd redesigned the servants living quarters to be more hospitable while Bain hired several new workers over the last couple of weeks who'd lost their family. The King of Dale wanted to provide them a fresh start after leaving the ruins of Lake Town. Most of the rooms in the tower were already saved for the guests coming from Rohan but he promised Dis that they would save Thorin, his nephews and Tauriel the best rooms possible and that her family would be well taken care of.

"Seadh amad. I am just fine," he replied but in truth he was nervous. Not nervous to ask but more nervous about the answer. Deep down he felt Tauriel should be able to learn Khuzdul. She was slowly becoming family to them, and it should not matter that she was an elf. She was their elf! Thorin half joked that she was becoming an honorary Durin, but he shook his head in frustration knowing how dwarf customs were deeply rooted and hard to bend. Didn't mean he wasn't going to try for her though. Dis gave him a look that said, "I don't believe you" but did not press him further. Bain was standing at the top of the stairs as they approached the north tower having offered to show them around the newly renovated building. He took them down to the servant quarters first. Before parting ways, Tauriel had expressed her desires for the servants living quarters and Fili promised they would inspect them thoroughly.

Once all four Durins were satisfied with the rooms, offering Bain a few suggestions and informing him they would provide some warm dwarf-made linens for the workers, they took the servants iron spiraled staircase up to the second level. The stairs were part of the tower itself and on each level the openings led to long stone hallways witch then led to the east and west wings of the building. The back of the tower faced the Lonely Mountain and Bain had them turn towards the east wing all the way to the end.

"Da made sure you had the biggest space with the best views. You will have a great view of Erabor and the river from your rooms," he said opening the door with an ornate key. The last to walk in, Kili silently took in the large living space. The room was completely bare. Bard was serious when he said he wanted their input before furnishing the space. To his immediate left was a door leading to one of three rooms and Bain continued to talk when they all entered the space.

"This is the master's room. We figured you would like it best Thorin," Bain explained. Thorin quietly assessed the room. Cream textured walls lead up to a vaulted ceiling. There was a large, bay window at the far end of the room that let in copious amounts of light. Just pass the left of this door was a small, attached washroom. Thorin looked to Bain and shook his head,

"This room is better suited for our elf. Tauriel will take this room," Kili sent a big smile towards his Uncle and patted the paper Tauriel had given him with her own wishes for her room.

"We'll have to add more items to her list. She only requested a few things and I'm sure she will fuss about getting the biggest room." Kili said knowing how Tauriel would react and Dis was quick to offer her own opinion.

"She can fuss all she wants but I agree with my brother. This will be her room and we will make sure it is properly furnished for her," Dis paused, clapped her hands loudly together, and then cheerfully finished her thoughts with, "now let's check out the other rooms, shall we?"

Bain bid them a hasty goodbye once they all had gathered back into the main living space. Forgetting he had to deliver some documents to Lord Elrond from his father, he offered an apology for having to abandon them.

"Go, go. Thank you for the tour, friend, we can see ourselves out." Thorin said as Bain handed him a set of keys for the rooms. Kili waved to Bain as he left and continued to look around the spacious room. It was too large for a dwarf. A reminder it was built for humans in mind, but he was grateful that it would be well suited for Tauriel. At the end of the living space were two, large stain glass windows that framed a massive fireplace. On the right side of the room near the entrance was floor to ceiling shelves that Kili knew immediately he would house with books on dwarven culture for Tauriel. In between the shelves and fireplace was a small hallway that led to the remaining rooms. Two doors opposite each other holding two more bedrooms and a third door that held another small washroom. After a small tiff between his mum and uncle, Thorin claimed the smallest room stating there wouldn't be enough space for two beds, Kili took a deep breathe, looked at his brother and delved into the topic weighing on his mind.

"Uncle, do we have time before we are to meet with Bard?" Thorin pulled out a small ornate pocket watch and replied,

"Seadh. Its only half past the hour. What is on your mind?" Kili motioned for them to all sit down on the floor. Once everyone was as comfortable as they could be Kili finally broached the subject that had been on his mind for over a week.

"Tauriel has a request," Kili said after a moment of silence had passed through the room. Dis was quick to respond,

"Shouldn't she be the one to ask then Kili?" Just as she was quick to respond, she was quick with an answer, "It must then be an important request if she is having you ask for her."

"Nuf. She is not aware that we are talking to you about this yet." Kili admitted and Fili piped in.

"We knew opportunities to get you both alone for a long period of time were far and few."

"So, you are in on this scheme?" Thorin asked his brother.

"Not a scheme uncle. Just a request and I was the first to hear of her desires."

"So, what are they then?" Thorin looked to Fili to answer but Kili decided to answer in his stead.

"Knowledge" he said, "she wants to learn about dwarven culture and history."

"That's not a hard request to fill. She could have asked us this," Dis immediately responded, "I'll have Ori start to bring up as many books possible about our culture when I get to Erebor. We can house them here in the bookshelf out in the main living room until you come back." A gentile grin adorned her face as she mirrored his previous thought's for Tauriel.

"What do you think Thorin? After your coronation maybe she can have lessons with Balin too?"

"I think, my dear namad, there is more to this." He looked to Kili and then to Fili. Kili could see the recognition present itself when Thorin's face turned from contemplative to knowing. He let out a long sigh,

"She wants to learn Kuhzdul," It was a statement that came whispered from Thorin's lips and he closed his eyes to form his next words. Kili could almost see the inner battle that was raging through his uncle's mind. It was a good sign then he had yet to speak. Was it not? It showed that Thorin wanted to say yes. That the generations of keeping a beautiful language hidden from outsiders was long outdated. At least that's how Kili saw it.

"I cannot say yes irak'makk," Thorin held up his right hand before Kili could protest, "but I will not say no either."

"What we can say to you men ghivashel, is that maybe we can try," Dis added in a very soft tone and then continued.

"Dwarven customs are tightly bound and have always been followed. Nothing is ventured and nothing is freely given. It is earned. Tauriel will have to earn her place among us and that can take time."

"We are stubborn, I will not deny that and while yes, I do adore her, she is still an elf. Even if she were to be trusted, she may never be accepted. The best I can offer at this moment is our support and an audience with Balin on the subject. I will have Ori scour our history to see if there are any exceptions to our laws." Hearing this made Kili feel more at ease. There still was no guarantee but the fact the Thorin was willing to try was enough for him.

"Kili, you know without a doubt that Tauriel is your men andr torak?"

"Without a doubt in my mind amad" Kili was quick to reply.

"There could be another way. It will take time of course. Rituals to go through but if she was to become a part of the Durin family it is possible that she would be allowed to learn the language as well. I will have Ori also look over past family trees, but I have heard of a human once marrying a dwarf." Dis ignored Fili's quick mumble about how busy Ori was about to become and gave Kili a stern look,

"You will have to show commitment my son. Others may think you are bewitched or have lost your mind. Some may request you be disowned. They do not know you men ghivashel and they don't know the honor of that elf. With hard work and time, they soon will. I can see the fire and passion in both of your eyes to prove yourselves. I have faith that you will."

Kili could not properly speak after hearing those words spill from his mum. He got up from the floor only to sit back down next to Dis and attempt to replicate one of her bone crushing hugs. After a few moments he pulled back and looked at her.

"Thank you mum and you as well uncle. This means the world to me you accept her as you do. It will mean a lot to her just as well!" After long pause in the conversation Fili announced loudly,

"Well how about we get off this cold floor then and go update our khulum on all the news!"

"Nuf!" Thorin stated as he rose to his feet. "I do not want to say anything until I have a better idea on which answer I can give her. So that means none of what we discussed leaves this room. Understood?" It was a no-nonsense question that had the other three Durins all replying in the affirmative.

"What if she brings it up with me or Kili again?" Fili asked, groaning a little to get back up. Kili came over to help him the rest of the way and to pick up Fili's cane. Kili smirked as he handed over the adorned walking stick. He decided it was his brotherly right to pick a memory not from the quest but the start of many adventures together. It was just of a goat and Fili started laughing the moment he saw the carving. Then he forbade his brother of ever telling Tauriel of that particular escapade.

"We are all going to be busy preparing for the council meetings coming up, Tauriel included. I would be surprised if the subject would be broached before I have a better answer for everyone. However, if the topic were to be brought up again, just simply sate you either keep forgetting or you are waiting to talk to both me and Dis." Thorin led them all out of the rooms. He locked up their soon to be home and they all made their way out of the north tower and then headed south to meet with Bard. Thorin hung back for a moment and stopped Kili while Fili and Dis continued walking,

"Please know I would do anything for that elf. If I can make it happen then she will learn Khuzdul," He paused looked at Kili and laughed, "Mahal knows she already knows enough to get all three of us in trouble!"

Translations:

Men- my

Ghivashel- treasures of treasure

Namad- sister

Nadad- brother

Amad- mother

irak'makk- nephew

khulum- elf

Nuf- no

Seadh- yes

men andr torak- my soul mate

meleth nin- my love

Author's Note ... I was determined to get a new chapter up before a whole year passed by! I found myself editing over the past couple of weeks and decided today I could edit until i turned blue but getting this up was more important. LOL

Happy New Year! The next chapter i started writing before this one. It is almost done so maybe you all will get lucky and get two new chapters in one week!

I also had a rough draft of the next 4-5 chapters jotted down. Maybe that will help keep my writers block at bay for a while :)