"Excuse me?" That was the only thing his brain managed to process and say. Aragorn caught himself with his mouth open and felt incredibly stupid. This was ridiculous. What this woman had said was ridiculous and he felt a headache come up, beating his head, making it even more difficult to concentrate. Apart from that, the mentioning of his late dear friend was terribly painful. He felt emptiness and it was as if someone had decided to gut him right there, a knife twisting in his stomach. It made him angry, how dare she take advantage of Boromir's death? She probably wanted money or something stupid like that. Perhaps she thought it might be a ticket out of this miserable place. Aragorn couldn't really blame her for trying, but the fact that she used his friend made him livid. He scoffed and ignored her offended look, as if she had the right to look that way. He, his friends, and Boromir's family were allowed to be offended. The poor guy was probably turning in his grave right now. He hated being used by anyone. In fact the whole notion of him having a wife was ridiculous, the woman obviously hadn't done her homework.

Everyone knew Boromir had no plans for marriage nor for a steady relationship. He was too busy. He had too much energy and he used that energy to help people. In fact he had told Aragorn several times when the conversation arose that he couldn't even picture himself living a domestic life. He didn't care much for it, he didn't have time for a girlfriend, let alone a wife. And the guy didn't even mind, he had described himself as a life long bachelor. He rather looked forward to be an uncle for the future children of Faramir and Éowyn than having children himself. He would be able to spoil them and then give them back at the end of the day, very practical. Everyone knew this about Boromir, so this woman was talking bullshit. Angry Aragon narrowed his eyes at her, crossing his arms over his strong chest, appearing taller and bigger and hopefully more intimidating.

"His wife? Boromir never had a girlfriend or a wife. I would appreciate it if you left his spirit and memory alone and just say what you really want, and we'll see what we can do." He told her, desperately trying to keep calm, he was a doctor; he was supposed to be in control. Getting worked up wouldn't help and only create chaos and he was well aware of the audience they had. But the woman didn't seem intimidated. Instead she narrowed her own emerald eyes at him, glaring.

"I tell truth." She spit at him in broken common tongue. "We married six months passed." And Aragorn scoffed again.

"Impossible. Stop telling me lies. What do you want?"

"I don't lie."

"And I am sick of this game. Tell me what you want or leave!" She glared at him even more furiously and he saw her tanned cheeks redden.

"He say you understand, you be nice. I knew not so, but I try. Now I right." She told him, practically talking to herself.

"What. Do. You. Want?" Aragorn hissed at her, patience wearing extremely thin. He wanted her gone, she made precious memories of Boromir flood his mind and he hated it.

"His family." She answered and he raised is eyebrows, thinking he misunderstood. Wasn't there a goddamn translator here somewhere?

"What?"
"His family!" She told him again, more forcefully hoping he would understand. Then she frowned, trying to find words to explain what she meant. When that failed, she sighed, giving up. Her strong posture faded as she dropped her thin shoulders. Aragorn figured if she weren't this skinny she would cut an impressive figure and presence. She took a step forward, adjusting the bundle in her arms.

Aragorn thought he saw something move and then suddenly fear filled his body. What if… She wouldn't possible try this trick…? But he hardy had time to think as she gave him a good look at what she was carrying. He breath caught in his throat, a strange noise escaping him.

She held a baby.

He shook his head. There was no way. The child had a light mocha skin and a full head of black curls like his mother. But it was impossible as Aragorn was going to protest. But then the child opened its eyes and he was staring into Boromir's sea-green orbs…

It was a week before the archery competition and Tauriel and Kíli had practically taken up residence at the Lothlórien Academy for the past two weeks just like the rest of the students. Everyone, of all three levels, were desperately trying to improve their skills. The red and blue bands were set on trying to beat the green bands, and had together created a pact against the green masters, who would make sure to defend their title at all costs.

Kíli was very excited. It would be his first competition since a few years, and he had heard stories from Tauriel and others like Haldir, Rúmil, and Orophin on how intense it could get.

There was a healthy type a rivalry going on between Kíli and Tauriel as they practised. Kíli had made it very clear that while she was his girlfriend, by no means would he let her win to which Tauriel had laughed, saying she wouldn't let some beginner beat her – boyfriend or not. She and Legolas tended to win the competition anyway and with Legolas away, she didn't think there would be too much dangerous competition trying to steal her title away.

They were currently warming up at accuracy practice before they would leap into the forest for some endurance. The competition would only involve accuracy, but they figured it would be boring to only practice that, as well as being counter-productive. They lined up arrow after arrow, shooting with deadly accuracy at the targets. Celeborn was walking around with a mad grin on his face. He always loved the few weeks and days before the competition – it brought out many different emotions and atmosphere. It created loads of tension but also excitement, determination and hard work. For him it was a great way to judge the students and determine who would be climbing ranks, stay the same, or in some cases even drop down or out.

He passed the enthusiastic couple with a smile, being sure to correct them on some slight errors. Being Arwen's grandfather he knew Tauriel on a professional but also a more personal level than some of the other students. Seeing her with the youngest Durin had at first been a bit of a surprise. They had seemed like an odd couple, one with more contrasts than similarities, but as he got to know Kíli better and see them together, Celeborn was quick to realize that they were one of the best-found matches. They complemented each other. Tauriel, while wilder than some others, had still been rather demure. Her was quieter and in the background, preferring the solitude of few but loyal friends. Kíli was far more outgoing. He was easy to talk to and his presence demanded attention, though not at all in a bad way. He had been her more open and free, Celeborn couldn't remember a time when he'd seen her happier.

After two hours, the pair decided to take a break, making their way to the café. The weather had cooled dramatically in the past few weeks and they had opted to wear their warmer training uniforms. The Lothlórien Café was made almost entirely of wood, it's interior a shining warm brown. To make it cosy there were candles everywhere in red, blue and green holders and plush embroidered cushions of fine silver colours covered the chairs and soft couches. The outside of the café was covered with ivy, the leaves having changed from a rich green to a brilliant red.

The couple ordered their drinks and took a seat on one of the tables outside, enjoying the feel of the final warm rays of sun.

"So have you spoken to Legolas recently?" Kíli asked her, his arm around her, and Tauriel nodded as she remembered the first time she had called her adopted brother.

She had felt very nervous, hoping to hear his voice as prove that he was still alive. She hoped she wouldn't break down. She usually had never been this open with her emotions but meeting and being with Kíli had changed her. Her hands were shaking as she dialled the number Thranduil had given her. The phone rang once…twice…a third time…

"With Legolas?" His soft rich voice filled her ear and she cursed herself as a strangled sob escaped her throat. Nevertheless Legolas seemed to recognize her voice anyway.

"Tauriel?"

"Y…yes?" And she could practically hear him smile.

"It's so good to hear your voice." He said.

"Yes, the same to you." She told him.

"I didn't…I didn't think I'd hear it so soon…which I would understand of course!"

"Lego…"

"No Tauriel, wait hear me out!" He said quickly, words rushing from him, like wine escaping from a corked bottled, as if he was afraid she would hang up any second. "I am so sorry," He told her, his voice raw with emotion. "You have every right to be mad at me, I would be too. I couldn't bear it to say good-bye – not knowing, you know with Boromir… I wanted you to have good last memories. Once I got on the train I realised of course…"

"Legolas…."

"I realised what an absolute coward I had… have been. I know it would be wrong for me to ask for forgiveness…"

"Legolas Greenwood! Will you shut up?" He fell silent so abruptly it was almost comical and Tauriel laughed. "Of course I forgive you." She told him and he sighed of relief. Throughout the rest of the conversation he had told her about the situation in Mordor and how he was doing.

"It's a mess here Tauriel. There is so much chaos and so much death. A few cities are under our protection for now but it's been difficult holding on to them. Everyday there are bombs and casualties. The times I've seen Aragorn he's busy with the wounded seeping into the hospital. Apart from that refugees are coming in by the dozens. I just hope we will be able to provide them the safety they seek."

"I think it's very brave of you to go there, you're very much needed."

"Yes, well, they need as many hands as they can get."

"Just promise me you'll stay safe…as much as possible that is." And he laughed.

"I promise Tauriel."

Tauriel looked up at Kíli and gave him a smile.

"Yes I spoke to him, he's doing fine. There's enough to keep him busy anyway." And Kíli nodded at that, but his eyebrows furrowed and he seemed lost in thought. She poked him and he looked up sheepishly. "What's on your mind?"

"Oh nothing really, just…" and he shrugged, looking at her with those big doe eyes. "It admirable going there… I sometimes wonder whether I should go…" Now it was her turn to shrug as she looked to the valley.

"Yes it's admirable I guess… but also extremely dangerous. It changes them and the ones that stay behind." Then she looked at him and leaned in to give him a chaste kiss. "I'd prefer it if you'd stay here." And he grin, raising an eyebrow.

"And why is that my lady?"

"To keep you out of trouble." She winked and stood up as they both had finished their drinks. "Come on, we need to practice." She told him and started to walk back to the range until she squealed in surprise as Kíli had flung himself around her waist, planting a kiss in her neck.

"Mmmm I know something we can practice back at home…" He whispered huskily and she smiled. Perhaps they'd had enough archery for today…

Days passed in a blur and before either of them knew, the day of the competition finally arrived.

Celeborn had ordered for decorations to cover the Lothlórien grounds and together with his wife Galadriel, he made sure they could accompany to large amounts so spectators that were due to arrive.

Many family members of the archers were quick to fill up the assigned benches as they supplied themselves with enough food and drink to last the day.

Although small children weren't often brought along, they had provided for a day care centre where they would be entertained, away from the sharp arrows. It was something Bilbo Baggins was very happy about. Sure Frodo couldn't be counted among the very small at the age of 11, but the boy tended to wander around the place when he got bored. Thus Bilbo brought him to the centre where a lovely tall lady with a kind smile welcomed him. Frodo seemed to forget about his earlier protests as he gazed upon the fair lady who reminded him of the fairytale stories Bilbo had told him about.

"There now laddie, you'll be fine here. I will pick you up when it's Kíli and Tauriel's turn alright?" Bilbo said and smiled at the boy fondly as he ruffled his black curls. Frodo only nodded, his large pale blue eyes still trance fixed on the lady in front of him. Satisfied Bilbo turned to her. "I hope he won't be too much trouble. As I said I'll be picked him up soon enough." He apologized but the woman smiled.

"It's no problem, there will be plenty of other kids to amuse him for a while."

"Great! Well thanks and um… I'll be back later… well soon…uh yes." He stammered before giving Frodo one last look before walking back to the seats. But Frodo didn't see it. He'd slipped his small hand into the woman's and looked up at her as she walked him inside to where two twins boys with black curls were playing.

"Are you an elf?" Bilbo heard his small voice ask and the giggle that followed.

"Perhaps." The woman responded laughing, which brought a small to his own face as the small man walked to the seats where the Durin family was waiting for him.

As he arrived he saw Kíli animatedly laughing with his brother and mother would looked very happy to be there. Thorin on the other hand looked very much out of place. He looked around him with a heavy brow, looking quite grumpy, as if he was trying to find an escape route. Bilbo had to chuckle, he would not hear the end of this. He squared his shoulders. It was time to cheer the old man up; he'd only attract unwanted attention to himself this way.

Meanwhile Tauriel had found her friends Arwen and Éowyn, who had brought Faramir along as well as her brother Éomer. The fact that Arwen's family came was a given. Her parents sat in the chairs a few rows above them. Her brothers sat together with Elrohir's wife Elendiel, who had delivered off their twin sons, Elrohan and Elrodal at the day care. She looked happy to have some few moments of peace, though she loved her sons deeply.

"It's so great you guys could come!" Tauriel told them happily. She was tied into her competition uniform, the silver fabric gleaming. Two twin braids on either side of her face held her hair out of the way. She was itching to start shooting. Éowyn leaned over to her friend, laying her hand on hers.

"But of course dear. It's about time we saw it, which reminds me," A smile crept on the blondes face. "Bring Kíli here. To be honest I rather came here to meet him rather than see you shoot, though I am sure that's amazing too." And Tauriel laughed.

"Alright, alright I'll get him. Be nice." She warned them, looking specifically at the Rivendell twins who were trying to pull of their most innocent looks.

Tauriel made her way to the Durin family. They greeted her warmly; she even received a polite nod from Thorin. Kíli had told her that his uncle wasn't very good at showing positive emotions so she took the nod as a grand gesture and smiled back. Kíli smiled at her, going as far as giving her gloved hand a kiss, making Tauriel feeling incredibly embarrassed.

"Hello Ms Second Place." he said, his eyes sparkling and she smiled back dangerously.

"Be careful what you say or you'll end up last Mr Durin." Earning her a few laughs, Kíli laughing along. He pulled her close and whispered softly so only she could hear.

"If I do lose, I don't mind being on bottom place later." Tauriel didn't miss a beat and pinched his arm.

"Stop that, not right now." But he only grinned apparently proud of himself.

"I hope you're that bold in a few seconds."

"And why's that?"

"There are a few people dying to meet you, but I am not sure all will be as nice as I am." She smiled smugly as his eyes travelled over to his 'welcome committee.' He shrugged his shoulders.

"Sure." And she grinned as she grabbed his hand ready to lead him to them. Quickly her turned over her shoulder.

"It's great that you came Mr Baggins!" She said and Bilbo smiled back.

"It's a pleasure."

They couple were about to walk away when she spotted someone in the crowd that made her freeze in her step causing Kíli to bump into her back. Frowning he turned to her.

"What's the matter love?" He looked at her worried, his eyes trying to find what had her so shell shocked.

"Impossible." She muttered, not answering him. Luckily for him it didn't take too long to find the surprise. Coming towards them – or much rather gliding towards them – was Thranduil.

Wearing a black designer coat with burgundy scarf tucked in, his platinum blond hair dancing behind him, Thranduil seemed the epiphany of grace. On one hand he seemed to blend in with the people around him, being tall and elegant, with long hair and fine features, but he was also extremely tall, towering over most here. He seemed almost too elegant and too prefect that it appeared scary, his clear blue eyes piercing everyone's soul. He reminded Kíli of Galadriel is a sense, but while Galadriel seemed to radiate warmth, Thranduil seemed to rather be frosted around to edges, like a beautiful flower in winter. God – that sounded far too poetic for his liking.

Within seconds Thranduil had reached them, leaving several people gasping in his wake. It appeared to Kíli that Thranduil didn't come here as often as he'd used to anyway.

"What are you doing here?" Tauriel confirmed his suspicions immediately.

"Always ever so polite. I am proud." Thranduil said mockingly. But his eyes wasted no time on his ward as his gaze rested in Kíli, who felt himself gulp.

"So, you must be Kíli Durin." It wasn't really a question, more of an observation but he needless felt the need to answer.

"Yes I am sir." He didn't really know how but he'd reached his hand forward for Thranduil to shake. The pale man looked down at his large hand, apparently unsure what to do with it at first. To Kíli it seemed as if several days passed, his hand feeling heavy and he began to feel embarrassed, wanting to draw it back. But then a pale hand reached his and he was almost surprised to find Thranduil's own hand hold his in a firm grip. There was a brief shake before both parties withdrew, almost pretending as if it had never happened, but the event seemed to chip away the icy wall between them. Kíli quickly found Tauriel's eyes, who smiled at him.

"It's good to meet you sir." He said and he thought he saw a flicker of amusement pass the man's stoic face.

"Likewise." Thranduil's deep voice replied. Then he looked past the couple to look at a pair of eyes he didn't think he'd have to see for an age. Thorin Durin. Their gazes locked, anger and tension flowing between them but before either could make a move they were interrupted.

"My gosh, it's about time we meet you." Both men looked at the source of the interruption and found Dís looking at them, though her own pale eyes were transfixed on Thranduil rather than he brother. Thranduil looked at her surprised and questioning. She practically rolled her eyes at him and stuck out her own hand and he took it warily.

"Dís. Kíli's mother." She told him frankly and out of sheer automatism, Thranduil brought her hand to his lips as greeting.

"Thranduil, Tauriel's…father." He replied sliding a look to her in question who gave him an encouraging smile.

"Well ye raised her in any case."

"Yes."

"She's become a fine young lady."

"Yes, she has." And with that Thranduil gave Dís a nod before turning back to Tauriel.

"I didn't think you would come."

"There was a change in schedules so I had time."

"I see."

"Yes."

"Well thanks, I hope you'll enjoy it."

"I am sure I will."

"There's a party I'll be going to later."

"Yes, I am aware."

"Alright."

They stood rather awkwardly together, or at least that was how it appeared to Kíli who was looking at the exchange with a dumbfounded expression.

Thranduil seemed ready to turn to walk to some seats by Elrond and Celebrían. But before he walked away and turned once more to Tauriel.

"Legolas would have loved to see you win, as do I." This earned him a smile from Tauriel.

"I only come here to win." She told him and to Kíli greatest surprise a smile formed on Thranduil's face making his frosty exterior disappear.

"Good," he said, reaching out his arm to place a firm hand on her shoulder, looking her in the eye. "Good luck." Then he turned ever as graceful and ascended the stairs.

When Kíli looked at Tauriel she was beaming.

"He hasn't come to watch for years." She told him and he smiled back at her.

"Well I am glad to meet him though he gave the rest a bit of a shock." They laughed as they looked to see Dís looking at Thranduil's back with Thorin in full glare mode with Bilbo desperately trying to distract him.

Taking his hand once more, Tauriel led Kíli to her friends who were eagerly waiting. They welcomed him very warmly and Kíli had no doubt they would get along finely. He was sure having a few beers with Faramir and Éomer would be a lot of fun.

As Thranduil reached his destination his friend Elrond had already stood up to greet him.

"My! I didn't think I'd see you here."

"Yes well plans changed."

"I see." Elrond's eyes sparkled and he looked down to where Tauriel and Kíli were standing with his children and their friends. "The boy's a fine fellow." Thranduil merely huffed slightly causing Celebrían to laughed and lay a pale arm on his own.

"Oh but they look so adorable together. Even you can agree to that!" and Thranduil rolled his eyes in a less than graceful manner.

"Kids…" he muttered and with that the drums signalled for the first game to start as the red band archers started to take their positions.

The competition had begun!