Here is the next chapter...hope you enjoy. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and all your lovely reviews! :) Sweet & fluffy stuff on the way soon ;) (yay!)
Kili had left his seat and was approaching Bard with his decision. Everyone was unsure how this was going to play out, so Dwalin came to stand next to Kili and Bard's men also came a little closer to protect their leader if need be; the rest stayed in their seats in tense anticipation. Kili kept walking until he was mere inches from Bard, and again, guards's hands twitched near their swords or such weapons they had brought with them. Kili, who was a fair bit shorter than Bard, suddenly reached up and gave Bard a tremendous hug! Bard, very taken aback, gave Kili then his men quizzical looks, in turn and patted Kili on his back too.
After a brief period they released each other, and Kili spoke first, "Bard, I know your people and mine have both endured much hardship for many long years due to that horrible creature. When my uncle told us of this quest, I admit the thought of reclaiming our sacred halls, the thirst for adventure and getting to mete out justice for all enemies; was an overwhelming pull for me, heedless of what would happen to me or any others. And now, looking back on all that has been lost...I wonder if any of this was worth it?" As Kili said these last words, he looked around the vast chamber - the remnants of the melted gold, and jewels and coins still littered the destruction of the once majestic halls, he had a very sad and melancholy look on his face. But as he looked all around, he saw Tauriel again. Her head was slightly tilted as she looked at Kili, wet eyes sparkling at him. He walked around the table to where Tauriel sat. He put his hand on the back of her chair, "Yes, our hurts and losses are incalculable, but some things have been gained," as he looked down at Tauriel, caring not what the others present made of this gesture.
Kili continued, now looking in Bard's direction, "There is something else Lord Bard- When I was grievously injured, you were the only one that took me in and offered help, I will never forget the care and courtesy you showed me that day." Bard seemed surprised by Kili's reaction, because he hadn't had much dealings with dwarves; but those few he had had, he figured them all to be greedy and selfish. As Kili sensed Bard's unusual reaction, he continued, "Therefore, it is my decision, albeit against the counsel of some others assuredly, that you and your people may have one third of the treasure of the Mountain as repayment of the debt as promised by Thorin. I know this does not bring back the dead, or heal all the ills that you have suffered but hopefully this comparably small amount will help you rebuild your city and your lives." His weighty proclamation hung in the air for a few moments as everyone besides Kili, and maybe Balin, were too shocked to react immediately. Bard's men, very teary-eyed looked to their leader and Bard, overwhelmed by what Kili had said, dropped to one knee and Bard's men immediately did the same and they all bowed their heads reverently.
Kili walked over to Bard, "Nay, nay...my friend," as he helped Bard up. "Let us create new bonds of friendship and fellowship from this day forward. May our two realms share in the peace and prosperity of the newly won mountain and endeavor to maintain these kingdoms for the benefit of all our peoples and for many generations to come." Bard grasped Kili's hand in both of his and gratefully shook them up and down; and now Bard had shown his custom of gratitude, it was Kili's turn. He motioned Bard to stoop a little lower and Kili touched his forehead to Bard's for a few moments. Bard gratefully continued the gesture until he noticed a commotion coming from the other side of the table, that made everyone take notice.
"Whatta'ya be thinkin, Kili?" Dalen screamed, as Balin and Dwalin went over to restrain their two kin who were completely furious. Ori, who had been busily writing everything down that had been spoken, just stood there, too dumbstruck to do anything. Galen continued, "there is NO way we be allowin this to happen! Many dwarven lives were spent gaining and fighting for this treasure! It is ours alone, now that many have perished just to reclaim it! We're not about to just be handin it over to a bunch of fishers-men."
Tauriel & Bilbo got up from their chairs with horrified looks on their faces, she even instinctually stepped in front of Bilbo as a protective measure and Bard and his men reached for their weapons, not knowing what would happen next. It was Kili that strode over to the four dwarves, he stood up tall and erect and with kingly bearing he looked directly at Galen and Dalen and said, "that will be ENOUGH!" He continued very sternly, "After these bonds of fellowship that have been forged today...I WILL NOT permit you to speak thusly! Tauriel had never seen Kili act so proud and strong, even Dalen and Galen seemed cowed for the moment. "I know I have not been crowned your king...yet," Kili said forcibly, "but I am of the direct line of Durin and you WILL do what I say!" Everyone in the chamber seemingly held their breath and just watched Kili in awe. Even Kili momentarily seemed surprised with himself and what he had done.
He regained his composure quickly and, more softly this time, addressed everyone but was looking in the dwarves direction, "don't you understand...this horde is cursed. I will not let it corrupt any Durin ever again," Kili said, very misty eyed, thinking of his uncle. "We will once again have a great and mighty kingdom...but not with this treasure. Therefore, the best use of it is to disperse it to those in need. Another third of it will go to our kin who helped us in our dire need," he motioned to the dwarves from the Iron Hills. The rest, given away to such other worthy cause or ally who has need for it." The two dwarves paused for a moment, slowly nodding their heads at each other, then nodded at Kili. Everyone seemingly let out that collective breath as Dalen and Galen stepped to Kili and head butted him, signaling a fine dwarvish pact, and everyone chuckled. Kili then exchanged pleasantries with the others, but glanced over at Tauriel who was absolutely beaming at him, and he blushed with pride.