Okay, here's that really long chapter! Please leave a review and let me know what you think :)

chp. 41

As all of the surviving members of Thorin's company, including Tauriel stood in front of the large assemblage of dwarves, Balin began the tale...He and then the rest of the dwarves' company took turns in recounting the entire adventure: of how they came to be involved in the quest, how they met at Bilbo's and why Gandalf the wizard thought they needed a Halfling along, how Bilbo had helped save them from the trolls, the spiders, how they escaped the Goblin King's lair, how it was Bilbo who secured their escape from King Thranduil's dungeons and how he had bravely stood between the injured Thorin and Azog with his deadly warg; all the way to how Bilbo volunteered to warn the dwarves that went to Ravenhill about the Bolg and his forces coming in from the rear.

At about this time, Grule had started to stir and Dwalin had a few stout dwarves go over and sit on either side of him on the bench. Meanwhile, the rest of the dwarves in the crowd sat in rapt attention as they listened to Thorin's company tell everything they endured and how time and time again Bilbo helped to save them, most dwarves hearing the tales were fascinated and some even let out cheers at more exciting parts of the story. And when they had finished, some dwarves even came up and bowed to Bilbo to which he characteristically shyly smiled back and even showed a few how to heartily shake hands, which they thought was a curiously strange, but interesting gesture.

Completely omitted so far was all of Tauriel's part of the tale, so when the dwarves that had gotten up to congratulate Bilbo made their way back to the seats, Kili waited for silence, and when he had everyone's attention, he positioned himself in the very middle of the crowd and began. "My kin...when I began on this adventure, little know did I know how much my life would change because of it, by the end. I thirsted for adventure and experience, as all good dwarves do, and as you heard, we participated in plenty of it; but mostly, I wanted to be there for Thorin as he aimed to fulfill his destiny of ridding OUR home of that deadly scourge, Smaug; and so it could be returned for the benefit of our people! Well, he did just that...but we of course paid dearly, for not only did Thorin and the next in line, my brother Fili sacrifice their lives for this cause, many of our brothers of the Iron Hills did as well and for that, we will always honor their memory, here. And I too had been mortally wounded but by the blessing of Aule was returned to rule our people- or...do you forget?" Kili's voice rising in loudness with each of the three last words he said. Most dwarves in the crowd loudly said, "Nay!"

Kili continued, "Alright my brothers...now let me tell you another tale of adventure...this one begins in a dark and dangerous ancient forest. We were hopelessly lost and even though Bilbo had rescued us from the spider's webs, more and more of the foul creatures came forth, more than even the thirteen of us capable fighters could handle. So it was that our adventure would have ended there and all been for naught...if it weren't for the elves of Mirkwood...for they saved us!" Tauriel was realizing that Kili was a pretty good storyteller, and must find out later how he could craft such spellbinding tales...when she realized her part in the tale was coming up and started to feel slightly embarrassed as now even Bilbo was gazing her way with small smirk on his lips. Tauriel, who was still standing in front of everyone, shifted from one foot to the other and wondered if she should go sit down, or more likely, go hide behind her chair, when Kili who was pacing back and forth telling his tale, started to head back up the front and headed straight for her.

He continued his tale, "And so it was that we were almost overtaken, none the less myself when one huge spider had grabbed my legs and dragged me towards it, about to pierce me with his fangs...when a great knife was thrown into the center of his multiple eyes, I turned around to see who had felled the great beast, when I saw her. This tall elven creature, who radiated this bright light, like starlight," he said thoughtfully, "had thrown the dagger and it collapsed in a heap. I watched, awestruck, as she proceeded to take down two more of the beasts, all by herself, including the last one barreling down on me." Tauriel noticed the dwarven audience were starting to show a little interest in Kili's tale, but once he stopped speaking most of them turned their attention back to Tauriel. He had stopped to move to a different area amongst the seated dwarves.

Now, he was ready to begin again, "So...you know where this part of the tale picked up at. So, we were taken to the cells of Mirkwood, as King Thranduil's prisoners; however, thankfully for our Halfling friend here, he helped us escape using wine barrels down the river. That was not all of the tale, my kin..." Dwalin picked up the story now, "We never would'v escaped, if it wasn't for Kili here...the elves saw us escapin' down the river and sounded the call for the gate to be closed! We were bottled up like good brace o'mead...and then Kili jumped outta his barrel, climbing up the steps, fightin off all the orcs that had showed up, all the way up the stairs...when Bolg...that filth'e scourge let loose a morgul shaft, right into Kili's leg! He would have been done for for sure, and we would have been captured fur sure, had it not been for Lady Tauriel once'gain...she slew a number of orcs, along with her band of woodland elves that came out to battle the orcs. That allowed Kili to reach the handle, pull it, and open the gate so that we all finally continued down the river." Tauriel noted there were a few loud ooh's and ahh's during Dwalin's speech and even, a little more friendly expressions now on the dwarves' faces as they looked again at Tauriel, since there was another break in the tale.

Kili again walked up to the front, but this time, Oin took up the tale... "And so, you had heard that Kili and Bofur had been left at Laketown, I stayed behind to look after Kili, who's leg wound had become perilous and he was in an awful state; and, of course, Fili would not be parted from his brother. Bard, you know him as the Dragonslayer...was the only one that would give us refuge in Laketown...we set about treating Kili there, but his fever was so high and he was thrashing all about, there was little I could do, with the limited medicinals he had on hand. I reminded him of a plant called kingsfoile, and Bofur remembered seeing the pigs outside eating what these men call a weed and he ran to get some...until that damned Orc pack that had been trailing us since the beginning caught up and came in and started trying to pillage and murder everyone inside!"

Kili and Balin surveyed the crowd, who almost now had rapt attention for the tale and Balin nodded towards Oin to continue... "We tried to fight them off the best we could, even Kili who was in agonizing pain from the morgul poison, but we had Bard's three young children to protect, and we were in cramped quarters with no proper weapons. Again, it seemed like there were too many of them for us to fight...when...all of sudden, Lady Tauriel comes in, hacking and slashing, killin' a few of them buggars right in the doorway! She was not alone...a bright and shining almost silver haired warrior was also there and he helped us dispatch the rest in nary any time. Those that were escaping, the bright woodland warrior left to pursue them. Kili passed out at this time and I knew we didn't have but a few moments let to save our Prince! Bofur, who had also been ambushed by orcs outside, was just returning with the plant when Tauriel took it and set about healing him. I tell you all...my kin..my skill is a healer is reknowned...but I don't think even with the herb, could I have saved him. But what myself, Fili and Bofur witnessed...was amazing. We worked the herb into a salve, she pressed it into his wound and during her long incantion, she seemed to glow with a silver bright light. Again and again she chanted, until Kili eventually stopped writhing in pain and his breathing slowed. Then she dressed the wound and he awoke briefly, so we knew he was going to be okay." At Oin's conclusion, a number of dwarves in the crowd got up and whooped, pumping their fists and most of the other dwarves cheered from their seats.

Kili looked around and observed everyone's reaction and was pleased. He nodded toward Dwalin and Kili put both arms out, palms level with the floor, and pushed them up and down to quiet the crowd. They eventually did settle down. And then, Dwalin started... "So...you all know that Fili, Kili, Bofur and Oin eventually joined us in the mountain and we prepared for battle. But our eventual foe was not the men of Laketown and the Woodland elves as we thought; this is when you, Dain's folk of the Iron Hills came and we found out our real and common enemy were those foul orcs who began descending on us in hordes. After we joined the battle in front of the mountain, Thorin came up with a plan to go to Ravenhill to take our revenge on Azog and kill him. So myself, Thorin, Kili and Fili raced to Ravenhill to kill Azog and hold off Bolg's army as best we can. Just when we arrived near the top, the first orcs were there and we defeated them easily. Azog had disappeared, so Thorin sent Fili and Kili to search the towers, meanwhile Thorin and I dealt with about o'hundred goblin mercenaries."

Dwalin continued, "Then...Bilbo appeared out of nowhere, once again risking his life to convey a message. And who got us this very important information? None other than our Lady Tauriel and Prince Legolas! They found out that Bolg was bringing an army from that direction and we had walked into a trap! Thorin quickly wanted me to round up the lads and head back to the mountain...and then...then we heard it... Booming drums and suddenly Azog's voice from a high tower...he had Fili by the scruff...he suspended him over the edge, and...and... he savagely pierced him in the back ...and callously tossed him down." Once Dwalin managed to choke out those last words, he let out a wail and covered his eyes with the crook of his elbow; and indeed, there were many others in the audience that let out cries of anguish and sobs. Even those of Thorin's company were crying, as this was the first time they heard the full account of Fili's death. Bilbo had sat down his head in his hands and was softly crying and Tauriel too had tears in her eyes. She looked over in Kili's direction, he was staring far out into the distance, looking very misty eyed with tears streaming down his eyes, but she could perceive his body shaking slightly...she so wanted to go to comfort him, but, thought the better of it, just quite yet, so she just stood there and collected herself.

Once Kili had composed himself and the crowd's wails had slowed he stood up from the chair and picked up the tale, "We know what happened to Thorin from Bilbo's part of the tale we just heard...but getting back to my brother..." he sniffed and took a deep breath and continued, "When Fili's body dropped right in front of me...I had blind rage, I cared not for anything else, but getting to Azog and exacting my revenge. The next few moments, I don't even remember, just killing as many orcs as I could...then I heard that sweet voice in the air, it was Tauriel...once again she was coming to our aid; and...I found this out later, she even defied her own King and kin, to come help us. So...I came just in time to see her fighting the hugest Orc I have ever seen, save Azog...it was Bolg...the same one who shot me with the arrow! She fought very bravely, but with his brute strength he threw her against a wall and was about to strike the death blow...that's when I jumped on top of him. We struggled and I fought, fought for my life and hers, and fought for revenge on what him and his kind have done against ours...but...but...he gained the upper hand and plunged his sword in my chest. The pain was beyond reckoning and I could feel myself slipping away, I realized I was crying...I couldn't remember why...and then, I knew no more."

When Kili finished, there was deathly quiet over the assembled crowd, and the only sounds were soft sobs. Kili walked slowly over to Tauriel and grasped her hand because they were both crying and he said, "Tauriel would you mind taking over this part of the tale?" She hadn't spoken in all this time in the assembled hall and her first words were somewhat choked out, especially after all the emotion of late... "You'ech...you...want me to speak?" she managed to get out. "Yes, please Tauriel, everyone needs to know what happened next and you were the only one there," Kili said softly. She started quietly, and with Kili's encouragement, who was still standing next to her she spoke a little louder and recounted how the red hot anger built up inside of her and she thought of nothing but revenge and torture against the vile creature that had taken Kili away from her. She described how fighting him she fell and woke up a little while later just in time to see to Legolas kill Bolg and how after that, she knew she had to get back to Kili's body. Then when she did how she cradled his body in her arms so nothing further could hurt it. And she sobbed lightly as she finished her tale and Kili and Balin helped her back to her chair. Kili patted the top of her hand, squeezed it warmly for the briefest of moments and flashed a quick sweet smile her way.

Kili headed back to his chair and this time, Balin positioned himself in front of the crowd and set about finishing this tale, "And that is where we found him, on top of that horrible hill. After the Battle in front of the mountain we went to see what had happened to the four who went to Ravenhill. We met up with Dwalin and Bilbo, who had been knocked out by Bolg, but had already awakened and they gave us the sad news about Thorin and Fili; but we hoped beyond hope that Kili had somehow survived, since now the mantle of kingship would fall on his shoulders. But when we rounded the top of hill and saw all the blood, and Tauriel protecting and washing him, we knew all hope was lost. We set about taking the bodies down from the hill and back to Erebor, and even then Lady Tauriel refused to leave his side. So, most of you know what happened next, there was an incredible rumbling, and our Lord and Creator, Aule spoke and TOLD us that the one most worthy of the four to rule was returned...and that was Kili!" Balin voice boomed these last few words, startling most in the crowd. The dwarves took a few moments to process everything and then most started stamping their feet and whooping and clapping. Balin let the crowd have their moment, then he motioned for them to quiet, which they did.

Balin next said, "Now, you know all that has transpired, and the sacrifices that were made by those that stand before you. Let us move on...now we must decide what to do with our prisoners. For they assaulted Dwalin, chief Leuitenant of the King, with intent to cause him further harm, were it not for Lady Tauriel and Bilbo's swift intervention; and they also made slanderous accusations against the heir apparent, Kili." The crowd started animated discussions and even Kili and the rest of Thorin's company were talking back and forth with each other. When it seemed like the group at the front came to a decision, Dwalin hollered for quiet and Balin stood in front of everyone again and said, "It is the decision of Kili and his council that the three that stand accused before you, be sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and 20 years of hard labor for their crimes against the royal house of Durin. What say you?" Again, more animated discussions and this time Balin let them go on for awhile. Finally Twain stood up again and said, "I think I can speak on behalf of Thorin III, who is still grievously injured in the infirmary, and most," he emphasized, "of us here...believe that that is a most fair and generous punishment." Grule still didn't look very pleased, as he was awake now, but when Balin asked the prisoners if they would accept their punishment, he solemnly nodded along with the other two. Dwalin had a few of his assistants take Grule and Wott away, and Oin's helpers took Nott by both arms and led him back to the infirmary.

There were light discussions going on amongst the crowd when Twain stood up once again and said, "That was an amazing tale, your lordships; and I'm confident I speak for most here when I say that ALL of our kin will forever be edebted to the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, and that also includes you Lady Tauriel, and our new Halfling friend, Bilbo. For the Company having undertaken this quest and achieved its' aim, with grievous losses of course, for the good of all your kin, Erebor has been restored to our people which is something we will rejoice...But...there was still one more item that needed addressing sire," for this Twain approached and stood right in front of Kili. Kili looked at him curiously and wondered what it could be, just then Balin leaned over and whispered in Kili's ear and slow dawning came to him.

Kili looked nonplussed, but stood up anyway and walked over to Twain, where they were about the same height and looked him right in the eyes and said, "I know what is on your's and the others' minds; and mine still hasn't changed. That treasure hoarde was cursed...can't you feel it?" Kili boomed as he walked past Twain and towards the center of the two columns to speak to the dwarves directly. He continued, "Yes, our kin toiled hard and long to obtain that wealth, but...it became tainted the moment the dragon entered these sacred halls. His corruption seeped into the gold and jewels itself...and I WILL NOT permit anyone else to succumb to that evil, like I witnessed with my uncle which was disgusting to see." Now there seemed to be a few nods of agreement, compared to when Kili had started talking, and he continued to walk to the back of the rows and Twain had taken his seat and watched Kili ruefully.

Kili got to the back, hesitating to make sure all eyes were on him, then but slowly started to walk to the front again, addressing those he saw, "Firstly, and most importantly, I will restore Thorin's honor by keeping his promise of repaying the Men of Laketown for helping us achieve this quest. To them, one third of the treasure will help them rebuild the city of Dale. For, as Dale thrives, so shall we in the mountain share in their prosperity and trading!"

More dwarves now nodded as Kili still slowly made his way to the front. He was nearing the middle and started up again, "Next, we shall seek out and to restore relations with our friends of the woodland realms. Lest us not forget," Kili paused for effect, "Elves fought and died, here at the foot of the mountain as well." Balin was pleased to note that more dwarves than he thought didn't have disgusted looks at the mention of the elves, and he smiled and nodded at Kili. Kili took his cue and by now, was up at the front by Tauriel who was back in her seat and approached her, "Tauriel, would you consent to be our ambassador to the realms of the Fair folk? With the approval of your King, of course," he smiled. Tauriel sat there and it took her a few moments to reply, dumbfounded as she was at everything that had recently transpired, " of...of course, my lord," she replied and bowed at Kili.

Kili cheekily smiled back at her, "Yes, we will be able to ask him soon as he will be here for the coronation," he smirked as Tauriel took her seat and her breath hitched. "Lastly," Kili said, "Each warrior that came from the Iron Hills and the families of those deceased will get a portion of recompense for their sacrifice!" There was loud applause to this, but Kili was still not finished, "The rest...will be given away to such causes I deem worthy...because I have received a special report from Gloin, our financier. Gloin...why don't you tell everyone?" Gloin got out of his seat near the front and went to stand in front of everyone. He cleared his throat and began, "Upon my initial exploration of the Erebor mines, I've come to the conclusion that our kin who had resided in the mountain before Smaug, only delved about o'thousand fathoms in their time here." There were many happy gasps and woops from the crowd. Tauriel and Bilbo were not quite what this last bit of news meant, but were glad to see so many happy faces. Gloin waited for the dwarves to get quiet again and resumed his speech, "So, there isn't any reason to believe there aren't more pure and untouched riches to be found, here in the mountain!" Practically every last dwarf in the place jumped off their seats and whooped or hollered or clapped or stamped their feet. Many even hugged their neighbors!

Gloin returned to his seat and Kili ambled back to his chair in the front and gave a huge sigh as he sat down, like a great weight was lifted off his shoulders. Tauriel looked over at him and he gave her a quick wink and a smile back as he settled back in his chair. She could perceive the first tints of eveningtime and in looking at Kili, she could see just how weary he was and what a toil this day had taken on him. Meanwhile, Balin let the crowd have their celebrations, but when they started to wind down, he positioned himself in the front of the now seated dwarves and began, "Kinsmen, much has been discussed during this long day. Have we attended to all of your concerns?" Most dwarves replied "Aye" loudly and heartily, and if there was a nay that was said, Kili nor Balin heard it. "Then," Balin continued, "It has been a long day but to celebrate everything that has been achieved this day, please return to the dining halls in an hour for our evening feast!" More claps and cheers, as Bombur jumped up and bustled his way to the kitchens with a handful of dwarves in tow. Balin once again waited until they were quiet, "And finally...if you prefer to return to your homes in the Iron Hills, we will understand, but we welcome all of our kin to remain in our newly won home, forever after! We would love for you all to stay and help return Erebor to its former glory!" The dwarves erupted in the loudest cheers of the day, but they eventually started to disperse. Many dwarves worked their way to the front because they wanted to congratulate and thank the members of Thorin's company for their sacrifice personally, therefore Kili had to stand and speak to each one, even enduring a number of head butts from some of the older dwarves. A few dwarves even came over and bowed to Bilbo and Tauriel and they both gratefully acknowledged their sentiments with bows, or in Bilbo's case hearty handshakes.

Most of the dwarves were exiting the large hall and when Kili had spoken to the last of the dwarves that wished to pay him their respects, he practically fell back into his chair and gave a huge yawn. Bilbo and Tauriel walked over to him and Bilbo also let out a big yawn, "I declare, I don't know which of my hobbit needs are greater...the need for rest or the need for sustenance?" His stomach gurgled rather loudly right then and he stuck out his belly and patted it, "I guess there's my answer," he laughed heartily. Dori came up just then and Bilbo said, "Dori, I need to head back and change into my larger pants...I've a feeling I'll be needin'em. Would you like to walk back with me?" Dori replied, "Sure," and the two walked off.

The only ones left in the vast hall were Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Tauriel and Ori. Balin walked over to Ori and said, "Lad...ya be needin any help? Are you all caught up?" If possible, Ori looked more tired than everyone else that was in the hall that day, with having to write down everything that happened and that was said. "No, I'm okay Balin," he sighed and gathered up all his papers. Again Balin addressed him, "Come on lad, I'll help you carry all o'this back to library, then you'll need something to eat before ya rest tonite." Before Balin left, he patted Kili on the arm and said, "ya done well today laddie. You're going to make fine king. Make sure you keep a good eye on this one m'lady." He winked and bowed at the two of them and then exited with Ori.

Dwalin was the only one left with the pair and said, "I must be checking in with Nori and all my stations. I'll be in the dinin'hall in awhile." Kili replied, "Yes, of course Dwalin. But hurry along...you need something to eat too. Oh, and Dwalin, thanks again for all your help," Kili smiled as he knocked Dwalin in the upper arm. "Lad...Thorin and me were like brothers. I was there when your father was killed, and when Thorin took over looking after you and trainin you and your brother up...so did I." Kili sniffled and went to stand directly in front of Dwalin, they gripped each other's forearms and gave each other a mighty headbutt. When they pulled away Dwalin even smiled at Kili and bowed at Tauriel, "My'lady I trust you will see our prince here to the feast safely?" Tauriel smiled and bowed her head also, "Yes, I think I can manage," she winked and with that Dwalin headed off to the guard room, and the pair were finally alone.

Kili gave another tremendous yawn as Tauriel had to wrap her forearm around Kili's to steady him because she got the feeling he would lay down right then and there for a long rest. "Come my love," she cooed, "It has been a momentous day and many things have come to pass. Just a little longer, and then you will be able to get some much needed sleep." He looked up at her and cupped her jaw and cheek with his free hand and said, "thank you so much for being here today Tauriel. Your presence alone gave me enough strength to get me through everything I had to say and do today." She looked at him warmly, gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and said, "of course, my love." He replied, "You know, I feel like things are starting to look brighter now, Tauriel." "I believe you are right, Kili," she said. And with that they walked arm in arm towards the dining halls.

Souuuunnnddss like an ending...but no no...I've got lots more planned for these two :)