-Yule Dinner-

They awoke late in the morning and heard noises coming from downstairs. Apparently Dís was already awake and making breakfast. Kíli went off to take a shower in their on-suite bathroom. Only Dís had lived in the Erebor Estate. Whenever she stayed over at her brother's place she would use her old room, even though there were enough rooms in the large house that were perhaps even nicer than the one she used. But Durin's were creatures of habit. Even Fíli and Kíli, who stayed in guest rooms, had used the same ones for the past 10 years, when they wanted their own rooms, instead of bunking together in one. Tauriel had to admit that the rooms were lovely, all rather spacious and nicely decorated, and almost all had their own adjoining bathroom, which was a huge bonus. Thorin had mentioned that his parents and grandparents had done a lot of renovation to the estate. Especially his mother had mainly been in charge of the décor, which was probably one of the best things to ever happen to the estate. Fís Durin had had an impeccable taste for anything stylish.

Tauriel had showered the night before to make sure her hair would be dry in the morning and got dressed and styled her hair. Then she listened for the shower. She could hear Kíli softly sing and smiled to herself. It was one of the most surprising quirks she had found out about him. She had never expected him to be a shower singer. But as she got to know him more, she discovered that under all the tough façade, was a loving and caring man, who also happened to be a cheesy romantic. So singing in the shower definitely fit him well. She gathered the presents that she had bought for everyone. It had been a hard task. Of course she was starting to get to know everyone, some better than others. But she didn't consider herself very good at gift giving. She always found it hard to give something that was personal and also wanted by the receiver. Sure she was good with practical and easy gifts, a bottle of wine or nice perfume were never wrong but they weren't personal.

Fíli and Arild's gifts had been the easiest. For Fíli she had bought two typical Mirkwood daggers to add to his collection. He had often expressed his love for sword fighting but he enjoyed blade throwing perhaps even more. His interest also lay with the history and design of weapons. Leading to him gaining a huge collection of all different types and sizes. After every holiday he went on, he brought back a knife, and marvelled at its uniqueness compared to those in his collection. Arild wasn't a fan of knives and daggers at all, but had accepted it as part of the package deal that came when dating Fíli. However, when she moved in, the daggers were given their own private room. She didn't want any sharp objects in the bedroom or really anywhere apart from the kitchen. Tauriel had seen his collection, and noted the absence of Mirkwood daggers. So she had gone into the heart of the town of Mirkwood that lay on the edge of the forest, completely opposite the estate where she grew up. It was an isolated town. Not many people from Dale or surroundings had gone there, which was surprising because Dale and Esgaroth had strong trade ties with the Mirkwood Estate and thus automatically also with the town of the same name.

Tauriel's parents had both come from the town and she and Legolas had gone there often in their free time whenever they got bored of Dale. The town had an ethereal look to it. It was small and the houses were built mainly from wood. But while they weren't large houses, they were all elegantly made and beautiful. Thus giving off a wonderful vibe. Tauriel loved coming there due to the relaxed atmosphere. Most people lived off their land and whatever they had left or had made, they traded for luxuries from Dale or Rivendell, sometimes even from Erebor, but that was rare. Tauriel went to her favourite smith in Mirkwood, Lagorhael. She had known him practically her whole life. Thranduil had brought her and Legolas to him whenever they needed something of a blade. Her own pair of daggers came from him and she absolutely loved them; Lagorhael even made some of Thranduil's kitchen knives. So she knew he would be able to make the most beautiful daggers for Fíli and once she saw the final product, she wasn't disappointed because they were wonderful!

For Arild she had bought several handmade leather pouches, filled with local herbs and spices because being a cook, Arild loved trying new ingredients and seasoning all the time. Tauriel had even managed to get hold of Kingsfoil. It wasn't actually a herb commonly used for cooking, but rather a healing one that she hoped Arild could put to good use. Perhaps whenever Fíli got the terrible 'man-flu' or after the night of too much drinking, the Kingsfoil could help him back to his feet.

For Dís, Tauriel has bought a cookbook filled with Rivendell cuisines. Her future mother-in-law, like Arild, loved to cook and wanted to make her dishes a bit diverse than the delicious but basic steak and mashed potatoes. While most in Rivendell were completely vegetarian, those who weren't, generally ate fish instead and thus had perfected cooking and baking with fish for the past centuries. Dís loved seafood unlike her brother and sons but Tauriel hoped that with these delicious recipes and Dís' own special touch, would change their minds completely.

As for Thorin, Tauriel figured that a Mirkwood wine or anything from there wouldn't be hugely appreciated and so she had to think of something else. She knew he was an avid whiskey fan; Kíli didn't get it from a stranger. She had asked Éowyn and Arwen for advice. Éowyn happened to know a glass blower in Rohan who had specialised himself in drinking glasses. Rohan was well known for its glass blowers. They still used ancient techniques to get their unique quality and appearance. Together with Éowyn she travelled to Rohan to visit the man in question. Tauriel had a love for anything made of glass and felt utterly amazed to look at all the gorgeous work. As she was led through the workshop her eye had fallen on one piece. It was a whiskey glass but what made it so special was that the bottom of the glass had a mountain protruding into the glass. So when pouring in liquid you would flood the see through mountain and then drink it away, creating a gorgeous as well as entertaining effect. Tauriel wasn't a whiskey drinker but she knew you could drink it with ice, and the glass mountain looked like an iceberg drifting in the drink. She thought it looked absolutely great and didn't have to look further for a gift. How could Thorin not be happy with the mountain Erebor literally in his whiskey glass? Perhaps she would have to come back one day to get one for Kíli as well. But she didn't want to give them the same gifts.

The present for her love had probably been the most difficult, surprisingly enough. She knew him so well and what he liked, but most of those things just didn't seem special enough or just not something he would every really use. Sure, an engraved silver flask was nice, but he would never have to use it. All the parties they went to had a running alcohol supply and he would never drink at work or training. And he was always careful not to drink too much when he would be driving. He had started to motivate Tauriel to start taking driving lessons, especially because it would give them both more freedom. And he could enjoy a drink whenever she didn't feel like anything stronger than coffee. Also Kíli wasn't someone who wanted grand gifts, and Tauriel knew he would probably would be happier just getting to spend an entire day by her side than anything expensive or nice she could ever get him. But she did want to give him something nice. Perhaps something they could enjoy together. It was then that inspiration struck. Archery gloves! The gloves he had, had been old and worn thin to the point that he hadn't worn them the last few sessions. He hadn't made haste to buy new ones, mainly because his dad had bought them for him. Kíli was still a young lad at the time. His dad had first just bought him one pair, but knew his son was likely to grow out of them soon, so he discussed with the tailor to get the same type but for adults as well. Luckily Kíli hands had grown into the large size that the second pair had fit him perfectly. They had been one of the few things Kíli physically had left from his dad. He had put the worn gloves in a box to preserve what was left of them. Tauriel did find it a bit scary to give him new ones because she didn't want to take away the memory of his dad. But she hoped that these specially made gloves coming from her as a gift would feel like a new chapter rather than a replacement.

She had gone back to Mirkwood to get the gloves custom made. It was a family business that made these beautiful leather items. They also had a shop in Lothlórien, but she knew the family in Mirkwood better, and always chatted with the daughter that helped her parents in the shop. The girl was a true artist and designers, and great at getting customer ideas on to paper. The gloves were made with black shining leather, with a silver clasp to tighten them. On the back of the hand, Tauriel had asked for an embroidery design, a Mirkwood tree beneath an Ereborian archway, a symbol for their unity. She prayed to Valar that he would like them.

Softly she slipped out of their room and made her way downstairs towards the Christmas tree, carefully balancing her gifts as she descended the stairs. She saw she wasn't the first one up. Several presents and gift bags were already lying beneath the thick green branches. She took her time placing her gifts, spreading them out, hoping Kíli wouldn't immediately find his. She knew he would be a child enough to try and guess his gift. Once she was happy with the result she followed the sound of Christmas music coming from the kitchen, where she found Dís already busy with breakfast.

"Good morning dear! Although it is starting to get closer to lunch if I'm honest!" Dís said with a smile. She had gathered her thick dark hair into an enormous bun, that swirled elegantly in her neck. Her red sweater was decorated happily with snowflakes around the neckline, arms, and trim. Her curvy full frame reminded Tauriel of the Christmas decorations in the tree, and that thought made her smile.

"Good morning Dís! I've never slept so well in a new bed before. If we hadn't heard you in the kitchen, Im sure we would still be asleep."

"Well yes, I can imagine that. Whiskey and chocolate cake are the best way to make anyone fall asleep. You cannot tell Kíli, but whenever he and Fíli got too hyper and annoying, I would sometimes spike their hot chocolate before bed, and they would sleep so peacefully. Even letting me and Kaelin sleep in." Tauriel laughed as Dís got a happy faraway look in her eyes. "Those were great times." She mumbled softly.

"I'll remember that for later." Tauriel said, and looked around the kitchen. A dozen eggs were waiting to be whisked and baked, as well as some to be cooking. Bacons and sausages were already sizzling in the pans, on the gigantic stove. "Can I help you Dís?" Dís also looked around and nodded.

"Yes dear, if you can prepare the toast, also watch the oven, I've got several buns in there. Oh and the table, still have to set the plates." And Tauriel nodded and started to move with the small woman through the kitchen, getting everything prepared. She would probably never get used to the sheer amount of food the family could get through. Apart from the hearty breakfast, Dís had also prepared a huge fruit salad that could last Tauriel a week, as well as yogurts and homemade granola. She couldn't resist laughing.

"Are you expecting more people for breakfast?" and Dís laughed as well but also gave her a serious look.

"My dear, if you ever have sons, and especially sons like mine, you will never have enough food. They are bottomless pits I swear to you. And my brother! Well, no pit in Mordor in deeper. And all our kin that comes by! Besides, whenever it isn't all eaten in one sitting, it will be gone the next day. I hardly ever have to throw food out."

"I cannot imagine what it must be like."

"Oh don't think I am in the kitchen all day. I enjoy it very much, but my boys can cook themselves, and will do so whenever I ask. Besides, now that they don't live at home anymore, it is rare I make so much, but I also then enjoy it even more. And knowing Fíli, I wouldn't be surprised if he came early."

"Is Fee here already?" And both women turned around. Kíli had come downstairs, wearing a dark grey sweater, decorated in a Christmas pattern, with stags jumping along his chest. His long hair was gathered into a messy bun. He had trimmed his ever thickening beard. Tauriel loved what she saw.

"No honey, but he might, you know your brother." Dís said. "Is your uncle up yet?" And Kíli nodded.

"Yeah heard the shower stop when I came down. He should be done soon."

"Oh good, then you can get the coffee ready." Dís said, snapping her fingers as she turned to get the eggs and meat from the stove.

It didn't take long for Thorin to appear in the kitchen, with a blue, also Christmas themed sweater. Tauriel felt a bit out of place without wearing one. As if Kíli sensed this he came over.

"Don't mum will have one ready for you next year. Any colour you'd prefer?" And Tauriel laughed.

"You know my favourite colour. And I shall treasure it. For us Christmas is always a very fancy affair, not as cosy and comfortable as this."

"And what do you prefer?" Tauriel thought about it.

"Neither. Both are great in their own way." She said and thought about Christmas at home. Yes it was more formal, but that was also nice about it. It was a grand affair and something special to look forward to. Everyone was happy during that time, she and Arwen would dress up, especially Arwen enjoying to use her great talents to dress her friend. And Tauriel always felt very special afterwards. It was also more organised than Yule at the Durin's, which sometimes Tauriel preferred, she knew exactly what would come next. At Rivendell they would always spend the day after Christmas engaged with charity events, such as helping out at shelters or orphanages. Giving to those who could not afford a special celebration.

Kíli wrapped his arms around her.

"Well, I am glad we can celebrate it together. Happy Yule my darling." And he gave her a kiss, that she happily gave back. Thorin made a protesting noises.

"I just woke up, do ye mind. Besides, breakfast is getting cold, and Kíli, yer gonna have to clean up the mess of presents." And Kíli turned red as Tauriel gasped.

"I knew it! I knew you would tried to find mine."

"No, I was trying to put my presents away nicely, just…."

"Oh stop your excuses!" Dís said, waking her son over his head with one of her spoons. "Let's eat."

Kíli didn't let anyone tell him that twice and quickly dug in to the great breakfast with Tauriel, Dís and Thorin joining in. Kíli had warned Tauriel to make sure she had enough to eat in the mornings, as soon after the first of many rounds of eggnog would start. Tauriel was wise enough to follow that advice.

They had only just finished that crumbs of their plates when Fíli and Arild came in. It had started to snow even more, and both where covered. Fíli was carefully balancing the stack of presents in his arms, and busied himself displaying them by the tree, as Arild greeted everyone. Both were wearing matching red sweaters, with bears and snowflakes, although Arild's looked more like ice flowers to give it a more feminine touch. As they sat down, Kíli made their coffee and with one knock on the door, announcing his arrival, Dwalin came in.

As Dwalin happily greeted the party, Dís most enthusiastically, she began to strip the layers of clothing of the, slightly frightening rough man. But hidden under the layers of heavy leather jacket and scarves, was a bright purple sweater, with alternating pattern of Christmas tree and snowman, that had Tauriel running away to the bathroom as she suffered a laugh attack, tears streaming down her face. Kíli ran after her, laughing with her. She didn't want to embarrass the man by laughing at him. But Dwalin was a good sport, knowing fully well that the sweater is combination with his tough physique, bald head, tattoo's and beard, made him look entirely ridiculous. But Dís had made it for him, and he couldn't bear to disappoint her by not wearing it. Besides, the purple did bring out his incredible blue eyes.

His arrival brought on the first round of eggnog together with a slice of chocolate cake that Tauriel and Dís had baked together the day before. They all settled into the living room as Thorin kept the fireplace burning. Thorin and Dwalin started to talk about happenings at the workplace, with Fíli and Kíli joining in. Fíli was in charge of the newest addition to the company, reaching out to the more average people who wanted special and custom-made jewellery of the highest quality, but for a reasonable and affordable price. It was something Fíli especially had felt very strongly about. Several years ago, it would have been impossible to venture into that market, as Erebor still had to rebuild from its horrid collapse after the failed business with Thranduil, as well as the constant negative influence by Smaug. But now things were stable and Fíli had been able to make it work. Now that investment was starting to show. Never before had they had that many orders come in during the holiday season as this year. Thorin and the entire Durin clan couldn't be more proud of what Fíli had achieved. He was the next great heir to the family business. Kíli sometimes wondered if he would ever find his place in the company without walking in the shadow of his brother and uncle. But that was a thought for another time, and he was incredibly happy and proud of his brother. It felt great to see him move towards a stable and good life, together with his love Arild. Kíli had wondered with Tauriel when they would get married.

The afternoon passed happily and got more cheerful when Balin, Oin, Gloin and his wife Nalia arrived, who joined in the celebrations. A black cloud did cover the excitement when they heard that Gimli had decided to stay in Mordor during the Yule time. Especially Nalia had found that very difficult. She longed to put her arms around her son and hug him tight, especially when they had heard about his role during the special mission. She didn't want her only baby getting hurt, not even is scratch. Gloin, who tried to lift the mood whenever he could, joked that if they ever needed extra troops, he would send Nalia to the front and have someone give Gimli a bruise. Nalia's wrath would singlehandedly win the war within minutes. The second round of eggnog and more drinks appeared on the table, as well as huge amounts of finger-food Gloin and Nalia had brought. Everyone also happily dug into the immense pile of Arild's infamous Yule cookies. Severals group started to be formed as stories were being told, the next more ridiculous than the first and games were being played. Tauriel happily drank along and played with every game. Sometimes teaming up with Kíli, at other times they played fiercely against each other, both stubborn and a winners mentality. It wasn't long before things started to get a bit to rowdy for Dís' tastes and she decided to settle everyone with the dinner.

Dís proudly presented her ginormous stuffed roasted turkey, its skin crispy and a perfect golden brown. The table was decorated with beautiful plates and silver ware, with large candle centrepieces providing the light in the dining room. Ale and wine were constantly refilled, as were the large plates of mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. They were all rather basic meals, but they were warm and delicious and gave a festive yet homely feeling to Tauriel. At Rivendell they always had fancy diners with an array of different and exotic food, which had been delicious too and she had enjoyed them. But this really made her feel warm and welcome during these cold winter days. There was nothing truly fancy about the dinner apart from Dis' treasured polished silver ware. Everyone was wearing their favourite and most festive, decorative, and warmest sweater. She felt a bit out of place in her newly bought cream cashmere jumper she had bought with Arwen last week. Legolas had once gifted her a matching necklace and earrings of shining snowflakes, made of silver and tiny set crystals. They decorated her otherwise rather plain outfit. Not that Kíli thought of it that way. It was simple yes, but the jumper hugged her lean figure in all the right places, and her brown leather pants, showed off her legs. Kíli couldn't wait to take it off her. One of his reasons was due to the bag he had noticed standing in between Tauriel's Christmas shopping bags. It was a dark red colour with golden writing spelling out the name Dragon's Lair. And every man and women knew that the Dragon's Lair specialised in very particular and lovely women's garments. Kíli himself was a sucker for anything with the colour red and lacy. While her flaming hair could conceal many things, he could swear that he had seen a red bra strap peek out from under her jumper in the beginning of the evening. He hadn't been able to put that out of his mind. He had tried to give her a knowing look, hoping to get some reaction, a slight smile or blush, out of her. But to no avail, Tauriel had the perfect poker face. They would never play strip poker he decided in that moment.

But apart from being distracted by some devilish creations, he was enjoying the dinner, as he always did during Yule and served Tauriel and himself healthy portions of turkey and mash. He hoped his love would still have room for dessert, his mum's famous spiced cake, with a layer of white frosting and rum-soaked raisins inside. But he was very happy to see her eat so much. Ever since the fight with Thranduil, her appetite was lacking and she had lost a bit of weight. Kíli was desperate now to return some of it and could only feel more relieved with every serving she finished. She caught his eyes on her and smiled, her eyes sparkling, and his heart fluttered. How long would he still feel this fluttering when she looked at him? He hoped it would last forever. He smiled back and she turned back to Arild with whom she was having an animated conversation. She had always liked the blonde, but in the last couple of weeks, she had gotten to know her a lot better and grown very close and fond of the small but lively woman. Like Kíli, Tauriel enjoyed seeing Fíli and Arild getting their own live sorted with the successes that came to them. Arild had graduated from culinary school the same time Kíli graduated and she was working incredibly hard in one of the most prestigious restaurants in Dale called Yavanna, serving the most exclusive meals with organic and locally sourced ingredients, something Arild was very passionate about. She was already planning to open up her own restaurant, and with her skill and passion she had received several offers to work in other places. But for now she enjoyed her time at Yavanna and was only happy with everything she was learning there.

"So Tauriel, are you almost done with your study?" Arild asked as she eyed the few pieces of turkey. She felt full and knew she won't be happy when she stood on the scale tomorrow. She really ought to lose a few pounds. But whenever she tried, Fíli immediately took over cooking duties and talked the idea out of her head. He loved her curves, admiring her in everything she. Besides, he would tell her, he wanted something to hold on to whenever they made love, after which they always wound up in the bedroom as Fíli proved his point. Having convinced herself, Arild reached over to slice off another piece of turkey as Tauriel turned to answer her.

"I have two more years to go after the summer. It's a six year program, after that I will have to choose a speciality I want to work in." Arild nodded her head, impressed.

"I always forget how long the medicine track is, you should be very proud of yourself. It must be hard work."

"Yes it is, but I enjoy it. I am lucky to have Arwen by my side. We help each other immensely. And Dís is helping me a lot now with several herbs. And of course Kíli is very supportive."

"Yes Kíli is a darling, you are very lucky. I though Arwen was a few years older?"

"Yes she is 24 now. She first started art and design, and she is incredibly creative and would definitely have succeeded in that too, but she wanted to do something more worthwhile in her opinion. I think because her whole family is into healing and with Aragorn also a doctor, I think encouraged her to also pursue medicine."

"Well, I am sure she could also model if she ever wanted a career change."Arild said and Tauriel laughed, thinking of the times Arwen had indeed participated in model contests and especially during her first study, she would often model the clothes her colleagues had designed.

"She definitely could, her whole family in fact."

"Oh yes, Elladan is gorgeous." Arild said, getting a dreamy smile on her face, which resulted in a jealous look and jab by Fíli. But she laughed at him. "Oh darling please, it's true, but don't worry love." She softly tugged at the ends of his moustache, bringing him close. "He's got nothing on you." And with that he received a kiss. Kíli and several other men groaned at the display. Laughter and banter ensued, which Dís allowed for a little while until she had enough and decided to silence the table with dessert.

Together with Tauriel, she carried in the giant rum cake covered in creamy white frosting, looking like the snow outside. Kíli was willing to swear his mother had made a bet with herself to see how many layers she could stack until the poor cake fell over. Currently he guessed there were around 8, even taller than last year. As planned the room did indeed fall silent at the sight of the cake, with greedy eyes fixed on it. Like small children at a birthday party, they silently watched as the Durin matriarch cut up the cake in slices and divided in over the guests. Thorin meanwhile was pouring some more drinks into the fancy glasses. When everyone had a piece, Kíli grabbed his fork and cut up a small piece and put it in his mouth, closing his eyes. The fantastic taste that he remembered as a kid and would look forward to every year exploded in his mouth. This was what Yule tasted like for him. The soft cake was spicy with cinnamon and cardamom and a bit of orange zest. But the slight bitter taste was countered by the sweetness of the raisins and rum. And to top it off, the sweet just fresh icing of vanilla and lemon just made a great cake perfect. He was in heaven. The look of his face, so happy and enjoying every bite, made Tauriel laugh, and she loved how he could let his feelings show so plainly, unlike other people she knew. Moments like this brought out the always present child in his heart, and it was endearing to see. Having heard her laugh, he opened one of his eyes to look at her, a huge smile grazing her face, making her eyes sparkle. His heart melted even further. How he loved to make her smile. He made sure to watch as she too tried the cake and like the rest of the guests fell utterly in love with it, wanting a second slice immediately after finishing the first. She could hardly believe herself, having already eaten far too much for a whole week. But Dís carved up another slice for her as she looked at Kíli's grin.

After dinner, everyone rolled themselves back to the living room, where the hearth was still burning. The smell of coffee and minty tea filled the air and sound the bellies of the guests. More games were brought out to be played. Tauriel and Kíli had snuggled up together on one of the couches with her curled up into his chest and he playing softly with a strand of red hair. They had been watching the intense card game between Fíli, Dwalin, Arild, and Gloin, with Gloin winning, when Thorin came in with the family's chess set. The board was richly decorated, made from white and ebony marble stone. Markings were made by plated gold and silver. The chess pieces themselves were marvelous. Made from solid gold and silver and set with precious gems and diamonds. Tauriel couldn't take her eyes of the wondrous glittering jewels shining at her. She carefully picked up the Queen to admire her. It was very heavy and she was impressed by how carelessly Thorin had been able to carry the entire set into the living room. This was completely different from the delicate set Thranduil owned that was carved from the most beautiful pieces of wood. Thorin eyed Tauriel as she rotated the piece in her slim hands. She met his piercing blue eyes.

"You play lass?" She raised a smile eyebrow, as a competitive smirk graced her lips.

"Of course I do." Without another word Thorin set the pieces on the table nearby, clearing it of any glasses and snacks. Within no time, the chessboard was set next to the Christmas tree, but as Tauriel sat down on one of the chairs it felt like she was in the centre of the room, and most people had out of curiosity started to form around them to watch the match. Dís had made them a quick cup of coffee as not to distract them during the game. All set, Thorin nodded to Tauriel at her white pieces.

"White begins." And Tauriel moved her first pawn.

Thranduil had always taught her and Legolas the same technique and strategy in playing. It was an offensive game, hidden behind a defensive scheme. They could usually out-smart their opponents with several turns. However Thorin had laughed, saying that he knew this strategy very well, and indeed, with every move, he countered, knowing her weaknesses. It frustrated Tauriel immensely and so, like Thranduil had also taught her, she took a deep breath and paused, sipping her cooling coffee, as she carefully analyzed the board. They were almost equals, having played all but three pawns. However she had lost two towers, a horse, rook and two bishops, while Thorin had only lost one of each. She tried to see what strategy he was playing. It was far more offensive and aggressive than hers. After her second move she had constantly been on the defensive, rebuilding her defenses. He on the other hand had ransacked the board. She tried to replay his moves in her mind. It was a skill Thranduil had taught her.

She remembered how one particular rainy afternoon they had been playing chess. She was perhaps eight years old, and it hadn't been her favourite game yet.

She had just moved her horse to counter his advancing tower, when his long elegant fingers moved in and swooped her horse in a fluid motion with his Queen that she hadn't seen. She let out a cry of frustration.

"How did you do that?"

"You must always watch my every move Tauriel. If you had you would have seen it. Now think back, what did I do last turn?" she huffed, kneeling on her chair to point directly to his side of the board.

"You moved the tower from here to here!" Her long braid moved along with her movements. However Thranduil didn't move, his pale hair falling along his chest.

"Yes, and before that?" Tauriel moved back as she tried to remember. She had seen his tower coming and focused on it intently wanting it gone as soon as possible. But because of her focus she hadn't been watching all that carefully. Her eyes scanned the board as Thranduil looked at her face amused. Her cheeks were reddening. She was an active firecracker, always focused on her goals, but at times he had to calm her down, just as now. He waited patiently, putting his hands together. Slowly a smile appeared on her face.

"You first moved your Queen here, then your tower, and your bishop to distract me!" She smiled brightly at him, pleased with herself, and Thranduil felt his own heart flutter at her excitement. "Ada always did that too." She stated as a matter of fact as she set back down and begun to plan her next move. With her eyes fixed on the board she didn't see the look Thranduil gave her. It was the first time she had mentioned his dear friend Feredir since he had passed away. Not knowing whether to go further into it, Thranduil simply gave a soft, knowing sigh.

"Yes he always did."

The flashback over, Tauriel smiled, now seeing very clearly through Thorin's game. Without hesitation she picked up her horse on the other side of the board and moved it up. There was a universal sound of confusion by the audience around her, and even Thorin looked puzzled, but he focused back on her previous move and countered it. But as he did so, he created an opening and Tauriel moved right in.

"Check." Thorin gasped as did those around her. Kíli looked at her and the board. He was impressed. He had never been able to beat his uncle. No one ever had, expect for Balin, who won every game. The old man was sure to challenge Tauriel to another match, another time. Thorin was looking around his King to see if he could still defend it, but he had nowhere to go. He moved his King in defeat, and then Tauriel moved her Queen to capture the King.

"Check mate." She said softly but grinned from ear to ear. Thorin laughed and shook her hand.

"A great game, yer play very well. Sure the bastard taught ye?" He asked referring to Thranduil and Tauriel laughed.

"Yes he did, but my dad did too." Thorin smile turned more thoughtful.

"Yes," he mused softly. "Feredir could play very well. He'd be proud." Kíli didn't think he'd ever seen Tauriel smile more brightly then she did then.

"Thank you."

The sound of the huge clock in the hallway, sounding for 2 am brought everyone back to present. The realization that it was late seemed to make everyone aware of how tired they felt. Balin, Oin, Gloin, and Nalia quickly said their good-byes with promises to see them all in a few days. And with that the remaining Durin's and Arild and Tauriel said goodnight and all went to their rooms upstairs. Kíli, having seen his family's faces knew that he could sleep-in the next morning, which was a relieve, he was feeling knackered, the alcohol and food taking its toll. However, the closer they got to their room, sleep wasn't on his mind anymore, as he remembered that red bra strap and teasing Dragon's Lair bag. He would have to thoroughly admire it and the wearer before he could even think about sleeping.

A while later, when Kíli snuggled close to Tauriel's now sleeping form, he could say that he appreciated this Dragon's Lair creation, but nothing could improve the goddess that lay beside him, completely bare of anything but his arms around her. No, she was already perfect in every way.

Softly so not to wake her, Kíli placed a kiss on her temple before falling asleep next to her.

"Merry Christmas Amralime. I love you."