Hi Everyone! I know it's been awhile...but I've been super busy in my year as a high school FACS teacher! I've got 4 "new" subjects to teach, about 170 students to keep track of...PLUS they want me to go back to school! (I'll have to get my masters so I can maintain my teaching permit) = I will be super busy for the next 2 years! BUT...I will have some time here and there to keep my beloved story going. Wish I had more time, but for the foreseable future, I prob wont't unfortunately.

At any rate, here's the next short chapter. I'll publish more as soon as I can and as usual, stay tuned on my Facebook pages for any updates. :) Hugsies!

Chp 74

Erebor was a bustling place, but it was late morning, as many had definitely slept in. Many dwarves, but even a few human were walking around taking in the sights of the Mountain. Tauriel received many bows and curtsies as she walked by. She returned them gratefully, but Gandalf was right, it would be something she would definitely need to get used to. When she arrived at the Royal Dining Hall, the chairs and table were arranged as last night. A few of the Company were already there enjoying their breakfast and bowed to her as she walked to her seat. She was happy to see Bilbo already was present and heartily enjoying his meal too. He quickly stood up and gave Tauriel a deepest bow. "Good morning fair Queen. How does this morning find you?" Tauriel smiled, "Splendid Master Hobbit. You appear to be well rested after such a late night. Was your sleep that restorative or are Hobbits accustomed to the effects of a strong drink and a very good time?" Bilbo slapped his knee and laughed a good laugh. He replied, "My dear, that is practically ALL a Hobbit is good for!" They both had a good chuckle, but Bilbo went on to detail, "Well, of course...that isn't all were good for, but I daresay there isn't one good party or get together at least once a week. So yes, to answer your question, Hobbits are WELL acquainted with having good time. And I daresay we must recover quicker than any race I've met yet!" he said proudly.

Tauriel invited Bilbo to slide his food down to the end of the table near her chair so they could chat and he gladly did. They chatted for awhile about the ceremony yesterday and recounted then how she bade everyone a goodnight, and afterwards went to the gardens. He said, "It very much pleases me that you get so much enjoyment from the little corner of the Mountain that I helped tend. I find it to be relaxing as well, but it very much reminds me of my home which I find I dearly miss with each passing day." His mood turned melancholy so Tauriel tried cheering him up. "Take heart Master Hobbit, for you will return to your green fields and pastures one day. I know what it feels like to be missing home too."

Her last words more to soothe Bilbo, but the next part she said aloud, as if her thoughts slipped into sentience, "The crunch of the forest leaves under my boot, the almost silent, but deadly swish as I let an arrow fly towards foe or food, that dewy morning sunshine smell and the rays of the moon coming through as silver light across the boughs and branches of my home." Bilbo had forgotten that she had been away from her home, almost as much as he has, but knew that one day he could return to his. He wasn't sure Thranduil's stand on that topic, for Tauriel to return to hers. He felt very sorry for the elven Queen of Dwarves right then, so he tried to again mention to her that he will do everything he could to create a sanctuary here in the Mountain for her when she finds herself missing her home.

After a little bit, others toddled in for breakfast, some looking a little groggy after the long festivities of last night. Ori was one of those, but he brightened up a little when he saw Bilbo and Tauriel happily chatting. They waved him over so he gladly sat down and started on his breakfast. He ate his breakfast slowly and sighed between bites. Bilbo asked, "My good dwarf, were the festivals that tiring last night; or is there something else on your mind this fine morning?" Ori, just realizing he was giving off a melancholy aire replied, "Oh...umm...no, no everything last night was fine," he bowed to Tauriel, worried he may have offended her with his attitude. Tauriel, as perceptive as any elf, continued, "Then what else troubles your thoughts Master Dwarf, for you do seem somewhat preoccupied on this day?" He wasn't sure he should detail his feelings, but he knew he was among friends, so he sighed and began, "Well...it's just that the call of lore and scribing seems to not hold my interest like it once did. Surely this was a grand opportunity...to catalogue all the tomes of Erebor; but I fear this task will not take long. Myself and my assistants have gotten a good start already and by the time the leaves turn golden and red, we should daresay be done." This next part was harder to get out, "And...and...I just don't think I can go back to just cataloging mundane day to day events anymore."

Bilbo and Tauriel were both understanding of Ori's plight. Bilbo spoke first, "I have always enjoyed tales of elves and the great battles of old and one day, I dreamed of venturing outside the Shire and having many an adventure. I've found, now, having had more than my fill of adventures this last long year, I yearn for my armchair, a mug of tea and my smoking pipe; and enough quiet days and nights to occupy practically the rest of my life! You, good Ori, are a dwarf and having once whet your appetite for adventure, you are content to sit idly by no longer." Ori sat thoughtfully and said, "gee...do you think that could be it?" Tauriel looked kindly at Ori and said, "Yes, I concur with Bilbo. I remember, many moons ago, in my elfling days when I was just learning bow and sword I could not wait to get back out in the forest. Of particular excitement was the days an errant Orc or other foul creature would come near our lands for quarry; so I know of the call of adventure." She also sighed, "Now that my life so vastly different than before, I find a deeper pull of my heart, and my mind, as of late." Bilbo smiled and Ori looked slightly puzzled. Bilbo said, "Tis the call of love, now, my dear, and that can be stronger than just about any other on Middle Earth. You have found your truest one, and he you, and you cannot wait to exist only for each other."

Tauriel was a little dumbstruck momentarily by Bilbo's words; Ori as equally impressed. Tauriel thought for a moment and declared, "Yes...yes, that is what it does feel like. For, I cannot wait to see him and the thoughts of anything else fades from my mind. You speak as one who has been in love before, Master Hobbit. Is there no wife waiting for you at home?" Bilbo sighed, but smiled, and said, "Ahh, well...us Halflings are a very deep and sensitive, earthy race in all matters. Well, there were a few maids I took a fancy to in my early days...I guess...at the the time...the pull of adventure and my own pursuits was stronger. Looking back now, that maybe wasn't such a wise choice." Tauriel and Ori smiled kindly at Bilbo, acknowledging they understood the meaning behind his words.

To return to Ori's plight, Tauriel added, "This decision is not to be taken lightly, Master Dwarf. For the Mountain was hard won and our enemy will lick his wounds for a good long while, but assuredly peace will not last. There will be some other quest or battle...it is only a matter of time." Ori sat thoughtfully and said one last bit, "Well yes, I've heard tell some tales from the elder dwarves like Balin which have roused my interest... I must go and find out more information, to make my decision."

After his statement, the trio went on happily finishing their breakfast until they noticed Kili had come into the Hall. All bowed as he entered and he jauntily made his way to his kingly seat at the end of the table, next to Tauriel, Bilbo and Ori. Tauriel also rose and bowed and Kili gave her that exasperated wink and smile to remind her she didn't need to do that when he was around. He looked very nice on this morning. The same attire as yesterday, but with a well rested aire about him, like many years of a heavy burden had been lifted overnight. Bilbo was the first one to mention it, "You look well rested, Lordship. I thought Hobbits did exceptionally well after a good party, I didn't realize it went as well with dwarves also? After all of our adventures together there were not many nights to rest and celebrate, after all," he added. Kili explained, "Yes, I thought more things would drift through my mind, preventing me from slumber. But whence I laid my head on the pillow sleep came almost immediately. I only awoke much after the sun rose and I heard a bird tittering. I bathed and wanted to hurry to the Hall, hoping I would find my Love and my friends...and here you are!" He said with a huge smile. His food was brought to him and he heartily dug in.

After they had all finished eating and enjoying their conversations, Balin and Dis had walked in together and they headed straight for Kili. After bowing and kissing her son, Dis said, "It is already noontime my son. The Elven Lords knew you needed to catch up on your rest from the long day yesterday, but we do not wish to keep them much longer. They have long journeys home and they requested audience with you before they take their leave; or did you forget?" Kili smiled and said, "No, of course not Mum. I did enjoy the rest and hearty breakfast overmuch though. I am coming directly." Balin then spoke, "Bilbo, as sole representative from your realm, The Shire, you are welcome to attend the meeting as well." Ori smiled and said, "I should be heading back to the Library anyway." He got up and stretched, and made his way to the library for more cataloging. Not that Tauriel was hesitating, but Dis chimed in, "Queen Tauriel, your presence is of course requested for the meeting as well," she smiled. The four left, Dis and Balin walking behind the King and Queen.

Kili smiled at Tauriel and took her arm. As they started walking, Tauriel wanted to ask her favor of Kili. "Kili, what would you think about having the Elven Lords meet with us in the Gardens? I know they have been a long ways from home and, I think, might appreciate being amongst the beautiful flowers and creatures there...I know it is very restorative for me." Kili really didn't even have to think twice about it. He stopped and mentioned to Balin Tauriel's idea. Balin and Dis thought that would be splendid, so Balin hailed the nearest page who he gave hurried instructions to. Meanwhile, the four continued on their journey to the Gardens to prepare and wait for the elves.