Here's our next chapter...thank you so much for being patient and I apologize for the delay. I like to stay a few chapters ahead, and I haven't had much time to write lately.

if you enjoy, please add a comment, I appreciate it :)

enjoy

Chp 32

"Where would you like to go first?" Bilbo asked Tauriel. "Let's go West. I haven't been on that side of the mountain yet," she said. As Tauriel watched the many dwarves scurrying around with their wheelbarrows, Bilbo did sort of a pirouette in one spot, trying to orient himself. "Okay, yes...I think it is this way." The inner chamber, where they were currently at, was were Smaug had lain with all the treasure. Tauriel could still pick up a little bit on the dragon's scent in it...no, not exactly the smell of him...she wasn't sure, but there was definitely a taint on the gold that made it a palatable presence.

She shivered and grasped her upper arms, "I am glad when this horde will be gone from here," she said. "Unfortunately, many dwarves don't agree with that Tauriel. They see it as their birthright, and Kili's decision was not popular with many here," Bilbo said. Tauriel replied, "but I thought a great deal of the treasure was going back with Dain's men?" "That's true," he replied, "but...if I've learned anything about dwarves...it is not in their nature to choose to give away riches and gold. Kili sure is an unusual dwarf." To that, Tauriel had a slight hurt expression on her face that Bilbo picked up on. He hurried to explain himself, "not that I'm an expert in dwarvish customs..but, ahem...Kili choosing love over gold and riches...well...you have to understand how, umm...unusual that is...for a dwarf." Bilbo stammered, still trying to make sure Tauriel wasn't hurt by his words, "of course looking at you and knowing a great deal about you - I can see why it was easy for Kili to make that choice," Bilbo smiled hoping he didn't offend her. Tauriel blushed at him and bowed her head slightly, "Yes, I guess if I think about it, it would be peculiar for a dwarf to make that choice. Their culture and way of thinking about things is just so different from own," she sighed, not even speaking this directly to her companion.

Bilbo picked up on Tauriel's melancholy statement, "Don't fret Tauriel. Dwarves are slow to trust, but once they do, they will forever be your staunchest allies. You will win them over eventually, you'll see. Non the least your bravery and skill as a fighter surely impresses them; I know everyone in the original company is already enamored of you...plus not to mention you saved the life of their future king on many occasions...AND in more than one way," he winked at her. "All the dwarves will come to know all that you have done, and their feelings will change, I promise you," he finished. That made her have a slight smile as they finally were reaching the end of the inner chamber.

Tauriel looked about and recognized this as the large foyer chamber that Kili had his meeting with Bard in. The table was still there, off to the right hand side. And the large opening in the mountain was already starting to take on a different look. There were a few dwarves there building a new entrance. Tauriel watched them for a few moments and marveled at how with very little effort they placed very heavy stones into precise placements that were forming the new wall and gate.

Meanwhile Bilbo walked over to one of them and started what must have been a very humorous conversation from their gesticulations. He motioned for Tauriel to come over which she did. The dwarf Bilbo talked to bowed low as she approached, "Lady Tauriel, it is always a pleasure to be in your enchanting company." "Oh, Bofur - you know our Tauriel has already fallen for one charming dwarf...let's not have another," said Bilbo. Tauriel smiled and blushed a little and then finally recognized him...he wasn't wearing that large floppy hat and was dressed in more comfortable clothes, but yes it was the dwarf she got the athelas from in Laketown. "I never did thank you for bringing the athelas. I couldn't have saved Kili without it," she placed her hand on her heart and bowed her head. Bofur was caught off guard, then after a moment, regained his usual cheekiness, "well now...we couldn't let anything happen to the lad. He's a good kid, that one - I'm sure he will rule wisely...and with you by his side- well there t'aint nothin you both can't accomplish if yee set your minds to it."

Tauriel again placed her hand on her chest and bowed. Bofur smiled to her and then took them closer to the opening where he enthusiastically explained the mechanics of the new gates. After awhile, Bilbo told him, "Well, we'll let you get back to your work, Bofur. I'm sure we will see you again soon." Tauriel knew that if they went to the left they would arrive at the throne room, so she suggested they go to the right and Bilbo agreed. As they walked, Tauriel looked around the large chamber, it had a very high ceiling and many columns. There were a few large tapestries still hanging, but a few were laying in tattered heaps on the ground. "This room is called the Gallery of Kings," Bilbo said, since he noticed Tauriel was looking around curiously. "I see some remnants of flaked gold in here...I wonder where these came from?" she asked.

"Oh, it is an amazing tale to be told," replied Bilbo. Tauriel raised her eyebrows quizzically, so Bilbo continued as they walked, "so...the dragon had us trapped. We did not know what to do. But Thorin..." Bilbo got a little choked up at saying his name, but gained his composure quickly and went on, "Thorin came up with a plan. There was a large mould at the far back of this room that Thorin must have remembered was being made when they left the mountain. It was to be an immense statue of his grandfather, Thror. So Thorin had us split up and we finally all arrived safe at the forges, here on the far west side of the mountain. We all took turns infuriating the dragon - Thorin was taunting him, calling him names and some of the others were throwing flash bombs at him." Tauriel's excitement kept building as Bilbo continued his story.

"Thorin knew if we could get the dragon mad enough, he would spew his flaming breath into the forge engines and knew it would be hot enough to melt the gold." Tauriel had stopped walking...so wrapped up in the hobbit's tale, "why...why would you need to melt gold," she asked? "All part of Thorin's plan, you see," he smiled. "Once the dragon's flame got the gold melting he started chasing Thorin, but he finally managed to escape the creature...but while he was chasing Thorin, it gave time for the rest of us to get the melted gold into the statue mould. We finally got it ready and the dwarves got into position...but then Smaug thought this was some plot between the dwarves and the men of Laketown and he got very mad and wanted to fly away to have his revenge on them. So I tried to convince the dragon that it wasn't a plot and to stay..."

"Bilbo..." Tauriel said rather loudly and they abruptly stopped walking. "You must NEVER converse with a dragon! They are wickedly cunning and very intelligent. If you reveal too much to them they hold power over you. I never have seen a dragon myself but I grew up hearing many tales from Thranduil, who has suffered much hardship due to them. They are nothing to be trifled with!" she practically yelled. "Oh yes, Tauriel," Bilbo nodded his head, "and Smaug had to be one of the most cunning that has ever lived. Thankfully though...the dwarves were in place...and Thorin started antagonizing him again. He turned around and barreled right for Thorin...but...he didn't see the other dwarves!" Tauriel was practically breathless for Bilbo to finish his story. "So, upon Thorin's orders- the dwarves pulled the chains apart and the pieces of the mould fell away. What was left was an immense statue of Thror made of pure gold! Even the dragon was speechless for a brief moment...and then..."