-Yule Eve-

"A little more to the left!"

"Like this love?"

"No, now you're too far, go back a little. A little!"

Kíli carefully moved his hand to the left until Tauriel made a satisfied sound.

"Yes! Like that!"

Kíli rolled his eyes as he hung the round silver Christmas ball on the tree.

"You could've just said to put it on the branch next to it, would've been easier."

"Yes, but a lot less fun." Tauriel said smiling and took a step back to admire their Christmas tree. The tree was not gigantic like the ones she was used to. Every year several huge, thick trees taken from the Mirkwood Forest would grace the halls of the Estate in their shining glory.

The tree in Kíli's apartment was smaller, it's branches sparser and wider apart, but Tauriel loved it, and poured all her energy into decorating it fully. Kíli was slightly afraid that anything more, and the poor tree would collapse under the weight of the decorations. It had a combination of stylish shining silver ornaments and clumsy mismatching things he had managed to gather. Yet, it blended together beautifully. Kíli had never been one to decorate the tree. As a child he had tried, much to his mother's dismay, who had spent most of the time cleaning up the broken decorations. It did not take long before she told her sons that it was mummy's job to decorate the tree and they were allowed to admire it with their eyes, not hands. And so the tradition was formed that Dís would decorate the tree during the day and surprise her family with the beautiful tree, covered with red and gold. Strings of crystals would swirl around its branches. Fíli and Kíli contributed by making something beautiful to hang in it. Knowing Tauriel was staying with Kíli, Dís gifted a box of old decorations that now adorned the glittering tree.

Tauriel clasped her hands together.

"It's beautiful!" She breathed. Kíli watched her lovingly. She looked so happy, yet he could see the hint of sadness in the depths of her eyes. He wrapped his arms around her, placing a kiss on her temple.

"It is love, and look," he said, pointing outside, "It has started to snow again." Bright, delicate snowflakes glided down from the sky. Tauriel always said if you were quiet enough, you could hear the falling snow, and so they both held their breaths as they watched the falling snow. Kíli thought he might hear what Tauriel was talking about, but it could also have been the beating of her heart. Blissful minutes passed until Tauriel shifted.

"We should probably get going if we want to get to your mother's on time for dinner." Kíli groaned softly.

"I wouldn't mind staying here with you." He moaned and Tauriel laughed.

"I promised your mother, besides, I am helping her preparing Christmas dinner for tomorrow."

"We call it Yule, and you promised her, not me. I swear, my mother sees you more often than I do!"

"Oh, you are so dramatic, that's not true. And your mother is a lovely woman. You should be happy we get along so well. Besides, she's been very helpful with studying for my exams. And we actually call it Feast of the North Star, but that's a bit of a mouthful and Christmas just rolls off your tongue."

"Fine, Christmas just to compromise. And yeah, yeah, she's lovely alright. And I am glad you get along so well, she'd make it hell if it were not so. But still, can't I be allowed to be a little jealous?"

"Maybe a little bit."

"Good." Kíli said and gave her a passionate kiss, entangling his hands through her hair. She returned the kiss with equal fervour. But before she could kiss him further Kíli pulled away, a wicked grin on his face. He moved away to get their coats. Tauriel gave him an evil glare. He shrugged his shoulders while winking.

"Like you said, we can't be late."

"You orc!" Tauriel cursed at him, following him outside. The snow thankfully wasn't too dense, so riding the motorcycle wouldn't be too much of a problem. Kíli wanted to admire his girlfriend as she flung her long leg over the backseat, putting her helmet on her head, her flaming hair falling down her back. He really wanted to stay at home with her, curled up on the couch with a glass of whisky. Against his will, he took his own seat, and soon they were cruising along the highway towards the Erebor estate, the Misty Mountains in the background.

Not long after their arrival Kíli knew he had made a major mistake in coming here, chastising him for not listening to himself in the first place. Fíli and Arild weren't there. They had, very wisely indeed, decided to spend this night together, before the Yule celebrations tomorrow that would probably last, as was Ereborian tradition till New Years Eve. Visitors would come and go, with plenty of people staying over. Thorin would always throw a New Years Eve party. This year however, they would all migrate to the Dale Palace, and attend the major Bard Bowman's Ball that Tauriel had always attended. So Kíli waved goodbye his dream of spending the cold winter nights cuddled up with his love, and fell into the large leather couch by the fire in the sitting room. It was the cosiest room of all the cosy rooms in the house. It hosted the Christmas tree and, most importantly, it had its own liquor cabinet. He grumbled to himself as he poured a large glass of whisky, and his uncle gave an amusing chuckle, looking up for his book.

"I was surprised you had come." He said, and Kíli gave him his best Durin glare, before sighing in defeat.

"Mum has Tauriel wrapped around her finger. I wish they didn't like each other so much. With Tauriel having nothing to do at Mirkwood, she's pouring all her energy in helping with Yule here. I know I should be happy that she is so comfortable here, but sometimes it drives me crazy!" Thorin gave him a sympathetic look. Upon arrival, Dís had whisked Tauriel away to the kitchen where they were preparing tonight's dinner and preparing for tomorrow's huge feast. Sounds of laughter would dance into the sitting room, leaving Kíli to sulk.

"You could go help them?" Kíli scoffed.

"You know mum and I can't be in the kitchen together." And Thorin gave an agreeing nod, thinking back to all the times mother and son had tried, and failed. It either ended in a huge, heated and loud argument or burnt food, or in worse case scenario both. He shivered slightly and then looked gleefully at his nephew and Kíli groaned, already knowing what was coming.

"I still remember…."

"Please don't start!"

"The taste of that horrid pie filled with…"

"How was I supposed to know how make that…"

"Raw turkey and chilli powder…"

"I'd never even been near a stove!"

"Burnt completely on the bottom…"

"You didn't have to eat it."

"I only had one bite. Still surprised I'm even alive."

"Why do you bring it up every single year?"

"Because I will never forget it."

"I was 14!"

"And I was still too young to die then."

Kíli groaned and gulfed down is whiskey earning him a rather stern from his uncle.

"You're supposed to enjoy that with every sip…"

"Then can we please talk about whiskey then my failed attempt at making a Yule pie?"

"Fine. I am still disappointed I won't see you for New Years." Kíli signed as he refilled his glass, now with the intent of drinking it properly.

"I know Uncle. But that's what happens I guess. Tauriel really want's to go to Bard's party. She and her friends go there every year. I am actually quite excited to how it's going to be. But don't worry, we'll come next year."

"You're quite sure of that lad. Think you'll last the year."

"It's not easy… Things had gone really fast with Tauriel and I… but it just feels right, so natural. I honestly can't imagine my life without her anymore."

He looked at Thorin to see his reaction. His Uncle seemed deep in thought.

"I will never deny I had my doubts very much Kíli. You know the… problems… I have with Thranduil. I didn't think you and Tauriel would last as long as you have. I never wished for you to take a fancy in each other, let alone fall in love, but I am not blind to your love for each other. I'd only be a fool if I'd try to stop you. I just hope that you're convinced you made a right choice here."

"I think I have uncle."

"Hmmm time will tell. Don't be to hasty lad, take your time to get to know each other. If it's all right and true, then you will have your lives together. I will be honest, my doubts haven't faded. But I like Tauriel and hope for both of you fate will be kind." Kíli smiled at him, his uncle, his father-figure, the man who raised him as well as he could.

"Thank you uncle. I hope so too." Thorin grunted a content noise. Then his eyebrows furrowed back together.

"Has she spoken to him yet?" Kíli could feel the anger in his voice at the mention of Thranduil. Clearly Tauriel's fight hadn't even left his uncle unaffected, a feeling of protection coming from his tone. Tauriel was becoming part of his family, and anyone who hurt his family would be damned. Kíli shook his head.

"No she hasn't. I think she's afraid he'll be there at the New Years celebration."

"Not a great place of confrontation." And Kíli almost laughed.

"You love drama, you'd think it'd be the greatest place of confrontation." Even Thorin cracked a smile.

"I am maturing lad. At my age parties should remain parties. Don't want any fighting at my parties anymore."

"Oin and Nori got into a fist fight last time."

"Too much ale for the both of them. Besides, Oin only had a bruised eye, Nori a sprained wrist, nothing too serious."

"You're becoming a hypocrite."

"Aye of course." And Thorin winked and Kíli laughed.

"Starting to sound like Gandalf."

"Ah mister Gandalf de Grey…" Thorin mused.

"Is he coming this year?"

"No, he declined again. Still busy apparently. Working on something in the West, close to Isengard if I remember correctly."

"I am sure he'll come next time." Kíli said, almost surprised to hear the slight sad tone in Thorin's voice.

"Aye, we think that every year." Thorin took a strong sip of whiskey, swirling around the amber liquid in his glass.

They sat in silence for a while. The radio was playing the famous Christmas tunes as the fire-place cracked with flames. From the kitchen they heard rounds of laughter and the sound of knives and pans working through the piles of vegetables and meat. Kíli thought back to his own apartment, longing for his couch and Tauriel next to him. But he also realized how much he enjoyed spending time with his family. Ever since he finished university, started to work at Café Bree and met Tauriel, he had been so busy, that he hardly had time to see his family. He and Fíli rarely had time to catch up, only seeing each other on special occasions, and the same counted for his mother and uncle. Tauriel had seen his mother more often in the last few weeks than he had. He remembered Fíli telling him the day he'd first gone to Lothlórien Academy that his mum missed him. That had been months ago. He really had to work on that. He grinned to himself. Making New Years resolutions already. And with that he also was happy he came tonight. As his uncle just said, if Mahal willed it, Tauriel and him would spend their lives together. Enough lazy days on the couch together would be in store. But his family also had the right to see him and spend time with him. Especially meeting Tauriel and seeing the difficulties she had of losing both her parents at a young age, not having blood relatives left, and a strained relationship with her adoptive family, made him realise how lucky he was with the family and friendships he had. He would have to work a bit harder for them too.

"Have you finished your gift?" His uncle's deep voice came from seemingly nowhere ripping Kíli from his thoughts. He nodded.

"Just have to wrap it."

"Then I suggest you do it now when they're still busy. Will be hard to sneak away later. I'll come with you." And Kíli laughed.

"You'll just criticise!"

"You're a Durin. Can't give away jewellery that isn't the best of the best. I've got a business reputation to uphold lad."

"Haha fair enough! Come on!" Laughing the two men made their way to the far wing of the Estate. It was build as an addition to the house, and served as their small make-shift workplace. Although extremely downscaled from what they were used to at the company workplace, this space had everything they might need. Kíli had brought the necklace he was working on for Tauriel to the Estate a few days ago to make some final quick adjustments. He hoped she would love it.

He presented it to his uncle who immediately began inspecting the jewel carefully.

It was a rather simple design. The star cut diamond was wrapped and held in place by a silver thorn branch that circled it. The pendant was carried by a fine silver chain, that had a shine of its own. It was clean cut and had simple lines but the branch still held a flow and soft design to it. It was completely how he saw Tauriel. She was a brilliant star on both the in and outside. But she was also strong and sometimes harsh. She was a girl who loved the forest and wilderness. So he chose the stem of the rose to wrap around the star, for it represented beauty as well as strength. His uncle twirled it around in his hand, turning it to expose every angle. Then he handed it back to Kíli.

"You did a fine job. Great quality stone. Nicely cut and the design is beautiful. Very clean and simple but elegant. Very your style. I approve lad." And Kíli smiled at his praise.

"Thank you uncle."

"I still hope you will come back to the company Kíli. You have great skill, and I think you and your brother would make a great team." Kíli almost sighed as the old discussion was brought up again.

"I don't know uncle. I loved making this and designing it, but I don't know if I want to do that my whole life. I didn't even study for it." Thorin huffed.

"I never understood why you decided to do Politics in the first place." Kíli was about to protest but fell silent when Thorin put a hand on his shoulder. "But I don't want to discuss this further. I will support you in whatever you choose, just know that you are always welcome if you want to come back." Kíli felt a great sense of relieve go through him. He looked his uncle in the eye, and slight bend his head in both respect and gratitude.

"Thank you uncle." Thorin smiled.

"Now c'mon. Let's get this wrapped and done before those women come calling. I hope dinner's ready soon, I'm starving!" Kíli laughed, his own stomach also starting to rumble at the thought of food.

He carefully placed the necklace in a black box with velvet lining and wrapped the box in the navy blue colours of the Erebor Company complete with silver bow. In silver ink he carefully wrote Tauriel's name, in the best calligraphy and steady hand as possible. Looking at it he was quite pleased, though reminded that calligraphy had never been his strong suite, but at least it was legible and that was all that mattered.

They went back to the living room. Thorin was about to pour another glass of whiskey when Tauriel popped her head in to tell them dinner was ready. The Durin's didn't need to hear that twice and were at the table before anyone could say 'Tom Bombadil', to great amusement of Dís and Tauriel. Tonight's dinner itself was not very elaborate or fancy, but a nice hearty meal that everyone enjoyed. All their energy was put into the feast for tomorrow evening when the four of them would be joined by: Fíli and Arild, Balin and Dwalin, Oin and Gloin with his wife. Dwalin usually would have been there now as well, but he had been called away rather suddenly for business, much to Dís chagrin. Between Yule night and New Years, the rest of the Company would come to visit the Erebor Estate, before launching into full party move on the last day of the year.

After dinner and cleaning up, Dís and Tauriel moved back to the kitchen to put finish the last few cakes and meals that they could. Dís always wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the Yule celebration fully and not spend that day in the kitchen as well. She was very happy Tauriel was there to help. Usually her boys would help and last year Arild, who was a brilliant cook and worked in a restaurant, was a gift sent from heaven. But Thranduil hadn't neglected teaching his children how to cook as well, as she and Tauriel worked well together in the Estate's fine and large kitchen. After another two hours, they both felt tired and the huge fridge was completely overloaded.
"I think we are done here dear. Thank you so much! You've been a tremendous help for me today! Lets go make some coffee and give them a slice of cake. My favourite movie is coming on and I don't want to miss it." Dís said patting Tauriel's hand lovingly. Tauriel smiled back with a wide grin.

"No problem at all! I'm very glad I go help! Haven't made anything this big for a long time. Usually we celebrate the Feast at Rivendell so we don't have to prepare anything at all. But this feels very nice! I am dying for a coffee though." Dís grinned and turned on the coffee machine. Then she quickly disappeared to ask the men if they also fancied the hot drink. Tauriel could hear their agreement for her and took out the extra small cake they had bake in the afternoon cutting off four healthy slicing. Dís returned and smiled at the slices as she made the coffee.

"Good, good. You can do with two slices love." And Tauriel laughed.

"You'd be surprised how much I usually eat. It's actually hard for me to gain much weight. I guess I am blessed with a fast metabolism." And Dís laughed.

"Well blessed you are then. But be careful if you want to keep that lovely figure, the older you get the harder it becomes. Children don't help either, let me tell you that." And she gave her future daughter-in-law a sly look. Tauriel slightly blushed.

"I don't have any plans for children." She said and heard Dís gasp. She looked at her shocked face. "Oh, no!" she started to realise what she'd said. "I mean I do want children, just not yet. I don't have plans for now." And she could see Dís relax.

"Oh thank goodness. No of course don't have them now dear, of course not. They are a huge responsibility that you have to take very seriously. But I do want grandchildren…from both my boys." Dís said and winked at her. Tauriel laughed.

"You are very excited with that prospect."

"Yes of course. I think every mother is once you reach my age and your own children have left the nest. I think being a grandparent is best of both worlds. You get to play with the little ones and enjoy their company, but also give them back at the end of the day, it's brilliant."

"Gosh, now I am even more excited…" Tauriel muttered, earning her another laugh from Dís.

"Come on dear, no more talk of children. Wouldn't want my dear brother to get a heart attack. Now let me warn you, this movie of mine it very romantic, full of drama. I don't know if that's your thing, but I always make the boys watch it every year. Against their will obviously." And they walked towards the living room, armed with the coffee and cake.

"You are quite evil." Tauriel teased and Dís almost seemed to straighten her back in pride.

"Well of course, I was raised the youngest with two brothers and I only had boys, I had to fight for all the romantic movies that I wanted to watch. They finally accepted they couldn't take this night away for me. And besides, being evil runs in the family."

"Sure Dwalin is happy to miss it."

"Yeah the bastard's lucky this year. Still think he did it on purpose."

"I am sure it wasn't. He'd gladly watch all those sappy stories with you. Actually Kíli and I are rather convinced he's a hopeless romantic." And Dís laughed as they entered the living room.

"Oh he is indeed! Cries every single time. He thinks I don't see it."

Kíli turned his head as they came in.

"Who cries every time?"

"Dwalin when watching The Tale of Tinúviel." His mother said and gave him his cup of coffee. He nodded his head in thanks. Thorin groaned.

"Durin's Beard! Is that movie still on? Do they have to play it every single year?" His sister shushed him with his coffee, in which he promptly dumped his whiskey. Dís put her hand on her wide hips, waving a mean finger.

"Thorin Durin, I don't want to see your drunk ass tomorrow so that's your last whiskey. Shame you have to waste it in coffee." Her brother groaned again, but everyone knew he'd obey. His sister could have a frightening temper.

As Dís started to flip through the channels to find the movie, Tauriel curled up on the couch next to Kíli, who had dug into his slice of chocolate cake. He put his arm around her, pulling her even closer.

The four of them enjoyed their coffee and cake as The Tale of Tinúviel began, sharing the story of two star-crossed lovers. Tauriel knew the movie. It was one of Arwen's favourites and she was happily surprised to know it was Dís' favourite as well. How happy Arwen would be to hear it. Tauriel liked it as well. It was different from the movies she used to watch with Legolas and Kíli preferred action movies over anything romantic. But here, snuggled up together, in good company, he too could enjoy it. Perhaps even more than he ever had before, with his own gorgeous maiden beside him. Tauriel's head was on his shoulder, as his fingers stroked her flaming tresses. His other hand was intertwined with her long slim fingers. He pressed a kiss to her temple.

"I am glad we came here." He whispered, trying not to attract attention. She shifted slightly, snuggling even more against him.

"Me too love, I really enjoyed it. I can't wait for tomorrow!" Kíli softly laughed.

"You know you don't get your presents until the morning after." And Tauriel laughed back. It was different then how she celebrated it usually. At home they would also give presents tomorrow morning and then finish the celebrations with a feast. But the Durin's apparently loved to drag out every celebration and had a day full of food on Yule itself with a feast and did presents and more food the day after. She started to regret slightly what she had said to Dís earlier. She was pretty sure these next few days, would help her gain a significant amount of weight.

"Yes I know that love. Should I be very excited?"

"Hmmmm maybe. Should I be?"

"Of course! You are always excited for presents anyway." And Kíli laughed, louder this time, earning him a glare from his mother. On a quieter tone he answered.

"That's very true. But recently I am not as excited anymore."

"Oh no? And why is that?" Tauriel asked, but she already knew what is cheesy answer would be. She didn't mind hearing it though.

"I already have my greatest gift here love."

"Your mother?" Tauriel teased earning her a poke first and then a kiss from Kíli. He ignored her teasing but simply whispered in her ear.

"Amrâlimê…"

And with that they snuggled up and watched the beautiful movie, pretending not to see Thorin wipe away a single tear…