As promised, here's the next chapter, a long and sweet one. Hopefully no one is getting bored with the details of their lives and daily living to the nth degree ;) ~~ it won't always be this way (in the story); but obviously there's a lot going on that I kinda feel I have to detail right now :) enjoy!

Chp 43

Tauriel almost felt faint, and quick thinking Dori said, "here lass...let's sit you down. I know that was a bit'o shocking news for ya. I'm sure you'll be nervous and all, meetin Kili's mum...gosh, I know I would be. I hear she's a stern one- even more than her brother, who I heard she whupped on many an occasion!" Ori came over and said, "That's just great Dori...don't make her feel bad or anything." He looked at Tauriel who was now seated and trying to catch her breath, "What Dori meant, was...well, you know...even for a dwarrowdam she's of the line of Durin. Let's just say, temperance isn't in their nature." He smiled at her while Bilbo had run to pour her some more water brought it over to her and she gulped it down to try to steady herself. He continued, "well...look at how Fili and Kili turned out, you know them to be caring and thoughtful, that has to be her doing, so...take heart, it won't be too bad. She'll just love you, like we all do," he said rather bashfully. Bilbo patted her arm, "And the fact that you're a superb fighter, probably doesn't hurt either," he smiled at her.

Just then Kili came over because all the dwarves that had wanted to speak with him had left and he noticed there were three dwarves all standing around Tauriel with concerned faces. He rushed to be next to her and said, "Tauriel...are you okay? What's the matter?" The two dwarves and Hobbit weren't really sure what to say or who should say it. Tauriel instead, spoke up, trying to regain her composure, "Yes, I'm fine Kili. I was just...a little surprised to hear the news about your mother coming." Kili had a knowing grin, "Yeah...that...well, I am really looking forward to seeing her. But assuredly, there will be bittersweet memories it will bring up. She has probably gotten the news about her brother, and maybe even Fili. If not, I'll have to tell her...and that will be difficult," he said very sadly.

Balin came over to see what they were all talking about. Kili was misty eyed for a moment but cleared his throat and then said, "Well...come on...we all need some rest. It will be a big day tomorrow too- it will be interesting to see how many stay and help, because we sure do need as much as we can get." Balin said, "Aye, tis true. We'll just have to see." Well, if you will excuse me all...I feel a tiredness in my bones, such as I haven't felt for a long time. I think we should all sleep in tomorrow. What say you, Kili?" He smiled, "yeah, I agree Balin. Everyone could use the rest. Let's make it...three hours after the raven crows, for breakfast? Can you please inform the others to meet us then?" Balin nodded and everyone said their goodnites to him and he toddled off. Bilbo yawned a huge yawn and I said, "I agree. I'm ready to slip into a nice comfy bed and not get out of it, for a good long while," and he promptly yawned again. He looked to Ori and Dori and said, "Are you ready to head back to our rooms?" The other two nodded and yawned as well. "We'll take our leave then, Kili, Lady Tauriel," the trio said as they bowed to the pair and slowly walked off.

Once again Kili and Tauriel were left alone. The tiredness Tauriel felt after her meal was replaced by a swift anxiousness, since hearing the news about Kili's mom. Kili said, "Come my lady, let me take you back to your room," as he intertwined her forearm and his. She smiled and said, "Kili you can barely stand upright. Why don't I walk YOU back to your room?" But as much as Tauriel protested he would not let her. When they arrived at her door, he kissed her sweetly and said, "I will see you again in the morning my love..but not too early. And don't worry...my mom will just love you," he winked and he closed her door and walked off towards his chamber.

Tauriel knew she couldn't just stay in her room looking at the stars tonight, she was too nervous; and of course being an elf, didn't need to sleep anyway. She first decided she wanted to look through her clothes to decide what she was going to wear tomorrow. She walked over to the chest and began pulling everything out. She thought, well, if being a warrior will impress Kili's mom then maybe she ought to wear her elven gear. Then, she thought...well, some of these finer clothes did enhance her visage, maybe that would appeal to his mom as female...Tauriel couldn't decide. Finally, she thought, well...I'm not sure when they will be arriving...and I'll probably have time to change before I meet her...so I'll ask Dori's opinion in the morning. Feeling satisfied, she laid out her elven clothes in one pile and found the nice dress Dori had made for her and put that out also.

She washed her hair well in her wash basin with some soaps she had found in the chest. While it was drying she looked in her small mirror, hmm...she thought, I need something really impressive. She attempted a few braids she knew that her friends back in Mirkwood had worn. "Damnit," she yelled, as she couldn't get them just right. Why did I spend so much time hunting and fighting she internally thought to herself and huffed air out loudly. In the end, she put some nice ones on the side and were able to join them at the bottom. She found some unused ribbons in the chest too and tied them around the ends of her braids. She twisted her head from side to side to inspect them and thought the overall affect looked nice, practical, because it got her hair up as she had a feeling she was going to be very busy these next couple of days and didn't want her long hair getting in the way. She thought it looked nice and in a way, made her look very different from her usual long locks.

She paced in her room for awhile and knew it would still be a long while before the others would be up. She had a crazy thought...she really felt like taking a long walk, but she didn't want to take advantage of her hosts, and she certainly didn't want Kili to worry that she was wandering about. But she also knew she could take care of herself, so she decided to keep that short sword in her pocket and she strapped her leather jerkin over her blouse. It housed a place for her long swords which she sheathed in there now. And lastly, her shoes were soft soled so knew that would help her stay silent on her excursion.

She quietly opened her door and peered into the hallway, she watched for a few moments and no one was moving about so she closed the door and crept into the hallway and started to retrace her steps to when Kili had taken her there. Down long dark corridors she went without running into someone, everyone really must have needed rest, she thought, as she didn't encounter anyone on her path. Then when she was nearing the kitchens she could see someone going very slow and deliberately, walking close to wall. She put her hand into the pocket with the sword and grabbed it's hilt, ready to whip it out, if the need arises. It was a small figure, so a dwarf, obviously...and her vision in the dark was better than anyone in all of Erebor, so she stopped and flattened herself against the wall. She knew her elven gear would have provided better camouflage so she cursed silently to herself, for not choosing that to put on for her excursion. Still, the figure was slowly creeping towards, so he must have not seen her yet. She stayed absolutely still and if the figure kept walking that way, they would eventually run into her. Something seemed familiar about a pointy part of him, so she decided to make her presence known, so she didn't get attacked for startling him. She cleared her throat and came away from the wall. The figure jumped slightly, then made motions of getting his sword out, he whispered somewhat loudly, "Who there? Speak..or I will come investigate, sword first!" Tauriel kind of recognized his voice and decided to walk towards him, one hand on the sword in her pocket though...just in case. As she got closer she realized that the pointy part of him was his distinctive hair. She didn't remember his name right off, because she hadn't had much dealings with him, but knew him to be of Thorin's original company.

As she became more visible to him, he lowered his sword and said, "Mistress Tauriel...is that you wandering about late at night?" Now, she kind of did feel bad for traipsing around a place that wasn't even her home in the middle of the night. But she did reply, "Yes, it is me." As she got a few feet away from him he saw her and bowed, "Let me formally introduce myself...I am Nori. I believe you are acquainted with my half brothers, Ori and Dori?" It only took a moment for her to realize, but she replied, "Oh yes...of course...Nori. It is nice to meet you," and bowed her head. They stood there for a few brief moments then Nori finally spoke, "Why are you wandering about the corridors? Is there something I can help you with? Are you lost?" She thought it best to be truthful, "Elves do not need much sleep, master dwarf and I find on this particular night I really could not stay confined in my room. I felt I needed to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. I was on my way to the gardens which Kili had taken me to before." He replied, "I see, my lady. It's just that...our young prince worries about you so and he might be a little bit upset that you aren't safe and secure in your room." Tauriel didn't take offense at his statement but did reply, "My good Master dwarf, I have been taking care of myself for longer than anyone in Erebor has been alive." Nori just chuckled and slapped his knee, "Yes...he did say you're a sharp witted one," and laughed again. "Fair enough. Then I'll leave you to your errand. Please do be careful walking about though...and I promise I won't tell Kili," he winked. She smiled and said, "Thank you Nori. Will I see you tomorrow?" He sighed and said, "Well, most likely not. I do a lot of things that Kili and Balin like to keep a secret, if you know what I mean," he winked. Tauriel just nodded and smiled and said, "I see," even though she wasn't sure what that really meant...maybe one day she'll find out, she thought. She bowed and said, "Good night then." He sheathed his sword and replied, "if ever I can be of service My'lady, just call." She replied she would and she continued on her way, and he, his.

After walking a little further, she found the door she was seeking. She unlatched the heavy iron clasp, opened the door and immediately could smell the crisp night air. She took a deep breath and quickly descended the short flight of stairs. Breathing in the heady smell of the water from the waterfall and the scent of the wind blowing through the few trees healed her anxiousness in an instant. It was a clear night too and her beloved stars were twinkling at her and she smiled back. She didn't know where her feet were taking her, she just let her body follow. She realized, after a time, she was close to the waterfall. She sat on a rock that hung over the water. She wanted to dangle her feet in the cool water, but knew that this was the drinking pool where their water came from; so she decided to pick up some small pebbles at the water's edge and toss them in, one by one. Her hearing so acute, she could her the initial "plunk" when they hit the water and when they landed eventually at the bottom. She judged that the pool wasn't that deep and felt that if she waded in, it wouldn't be over her head.

She stayed there for how long she know not, as elves reckon time different than other species, just throwing a small pebble in, listening to the sound and watching the rings ever-spreading on the surface. She sensed the sky becoming slightly lighter so she got up, knowing she would have to begin her trek back to her room soon; stretched her legs, and walked around the pool where the water fell into. She noticed there was a small bridge a little ways down from where the pool made a small stream that spilled over the cliff's edge and on down the mountain. She walked over the bridge to an area she did not go when Kili had brought her here. There were some interesting bushes here. They had gotten a lot of natural water spray so they were pretty healthy looking. Just on the cusp of Spring they hadn't started to flower yet but Tauriel could tell they would come back to life, soon. She walked under some of the trees on this side of the pool and noticed the same thing, things seemed a little healthier on this side. She could hear the Ravens doing their early morning tittering and she couldn't help but smile again. This reminded her so much of her foresthome. She couldn't wait to show it to Bilbo...she knew he would be absolutely beside himself too.

She bent down and pick up a couple of leaves and rubbed them in her palms. They felt so good, like she was reconnecting with the earth itself. The time she had spent in the mountain has been the longest time away from the earth, grasses, water and trees that she has ever been in her long life. She took many deep breaths of air in, healing her soul as much as possible, before she would have to leave soon. The sun began to peek over the horizon's edge and Tauriel knew she would have to start the long trek back to her room soon; because she knew she wanted to bathe well and decide what she was going to wear for this, all important day. She took one last deep breath of sweet air then retraced her steps back to her room.

She met no one on her return path to her room and when safely inside, she latched her door. She still had a little bit of time before she needed to be back in the dining hall for breakfast, as the sun was just finishing its' rise over the horizon. She longed for the wading pools that we're back in Mirkwood, her and the other female guards would use them to soak in, after a long watch. She could submerge herself in the warm waters, letting her hair float all about her under the water. Then she would use the natural aromatherapy soaps of her people to scrub herself clean. She also enjoyed getting out of the water and wrapping up in elvish towels, which were always so soft, warm and got the moisture off of you almost instantly.

She sighed, but still... remembered why she was here and why she decided to stay. She smiled, oh well, she thought, some of those luxuries and comforts that I am used to, I may have to forego to remain here in the mountain with my love. She smiled again, and thought, it really wasn't much of a sacrifice. Before dressing, she used more soap and gave herself a really good sponge bath. She wondered how the dwarves bathed and chuckled. Remembering finding out about the Company's foray into elvish fountains, she thought they had probably never seen spraying water before and guessed that they either just wade into still water, or, gulp...only use these wash basins. She marked it in her memory to ask about it later. Now, freshly clean, she must decide what to wear. Again, she went back and forth a few times, but decided on her pants and linen shirt. She thought the dress was a little too formal, and girlish for this special occasion; and her elven gear might come across as a bit hostile. She still will check with Dori, when she sees him, she thought.

It was becoming later in the morning now and knew she would have to make her way to the dining hall shortly. She didn't want to be the last to arrive, she shuddered at the thought of being the last one to walk in to a full dining hall, Kili's mother and her entourage present, just staring straight her as she made her entrance. So she took one last in the mirror, pleased enough with her appearance, she started to leave. She couldn't remember if Kili said he would come get her this morning, so she decided to wait a few minutes on the bench outside of her room. A few dwarves who were coming and going, passed by her, nodded to her and a few even had slight smiles. She thought, well, that's a little bit of progress, and smiled.

After waiting for a few minutes she heard some cheery voices coming from around the corner of the hallway. She didn't have to wait long, they rounded the bend and Tauriel saw that it was Bilbo, Ori and Dori. She stood up to greet them and noticed they all seemed more well rested. The trio saw it was Tauriel and all three bowed to her and said "m'lady." Bilbo continued and said, "You look well rested Lady Tauriel, were you able to get some sleep last night after our fine meal?" She grinned, "Of a sorts, my good Hobbit. I was just sitting here waiting for Kili, I wasn't sure if he was going to come and get me this morning or not." Ori looked downcast, "Well, you might as well come with us. I think Balin and Dwalin have him pretty busy this morning...not sure when he'll be able to join us." Tauriel also too, seemed a little sad at the news. "Oh, I see. Okay, I will join you," she said.

They started on their way, Tauriel wanting to change the subject (and to find out an answer to the question most forefront in her mind); said, "So...when do you think the party from the Blue Mountains will be arriving? I mean... have you heard any news?" Ori answered, "No, we have heard nothing yet. My guess is that it will be later in the day." Tauriel happily replied, "Oh, okay." Bilbo struck up a conversation with Ori, so Tauriel lagged back a little bit to talk with Dori. She quietly asked him, "Dori, may I...get your opinion...on this outfit? Is it suitable for the occasion?" He didn't really have to look at it, after all, he was the one that had gotten it for her. "Yes. I think it will be just fine," he winked. She pressed, "Well, if they won't be arriving until later, would it be wise to change into the lovely dress you made for me; or possibly my elven gear?" Dori stopped for a moment, looked her thoughtfully up and down, and said, "No, I think this is best Lass~ the dress is really for more formal occasions. That reminds me...Can I come to your room later, I'd like to get some more precise measurements. If you're gonna be stayin with us for awhile, you'll need proper fitting clothes." Bilbo and Ori had finished their conversation and who we're listening to Dori, just smiled at each other knowingly and continued walking.

Tauriel hadn't really thought about it; but, yes...she wasn't sure if she was ever, or could ever, go home again. Lost in her thoughts, but present enough to reply, "Um, yes, Dori...that will be fine." There wasn't any more chatter until the four of them reached the dining hall. When they entered, a few dwarves were present and chatting happily amongst themselves; the four took the same seats as they had last night. More dwarves arrived and everyone seemed in a good mood and rested.

Kili and Balin were one of the last to enter and take their seats. As they entered, all the dwarves rose from their seats, and Tauriel and Bilbo did as well. Kili bowed as he was walking and headed back to his seat at the head of the middle table and everyone sat back down. Kili settled into his seat and looked at Tauriel, who had already watched him walk to his seat, met his eyes and they both smiled. He seemed more carefree after getting the tumultuous day of yesterday behind him. And he too seemed well rested even a twinkle in his eye, she noted. He reached out his hand under the table and she also put out her hand. They squeezed their hands together and smiled. Tauriel started first quietly, "The meal and night's rest seems to have done you well, my love. You have rosy glow in your cheeks and a sparkle in your eyes," she giggled. He smiled back at her, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to come to your room to fetch you this morning, Balin wanted me to do some things to get ready for today. But yes Tauriel, I do admit I am starting to feel really excited about the future," he leaned in closer and whispered, "and our future too," he smiled that sweet but knowing smile that he saved just for her and she could feel her stomach do a loop de loop. "There is still a lot to do, though," he continued. He looked out at all the dwarves happily chatting, "It will be interesting to see how many of them stay- that will tell us how soon we can get Erebor up and runnin' properly. Well...we shall find out soon, after breakfast in fact," he smiled.

Bombur and his servers started bringing in the breakfast faire and everyone happily dug in to their sweet breads and sausages. Tauriel learned over to Kili and asked, "The contingent from the Blue Mountains then...are they coming to help? And do you think most of them will stay?" Kili chewed his bite of sausage thoughtfully, "Well...it's hard to say. We had established a very nice home there. They may be making the journey just to see Erebor, and then they will decide. But living here in such a stronghold is definitely an attraction. Plus...there are lots of things to be done here. Craftsmen can show off their prowess, what with all the repairs that need to be done; and all." Tauriel nodded, "I see. So, when do you expect the party to arrive...I, err...want to make sure..." Before Tauriel could finish, Kili reached out for her hand again and squeezed, "Do not worry my love. I would like to formally introduce you to my mother. I'm sure they will be tired from their long journey and most likely will need a few days rest, so you will have plenty of time to prepare, my lovely lady." Tauriel smiled sweetly back in an understanding way.

Everyone in the Hall enjoyed their breakfast and hearty conversations. Most were finishing and dwarves were bustling in and out taking empty plates. Balin took this as his cue to stand up, "I hope everyone enjoyed their meal!" Most dwarves tapped their mugs on the tables or said, "Aye, Aye." Balin continued, "Well, again, we want to thank everyone for coming to our aid and helping return Erebor to dwarvish control. We would love for you to stay, and if you wish to help restore Erebor to its former glory, we can definitely put you to work! If you are staying- please join us in the Great Hall momentarily and you can let us know what you would like to do." Kili stood up now and finished Balin's sentiments, "Again...thank you so much, all of you. I will never forget your sacrifice. If you're staying, please join us in the next room...if not, I wish you well and I hope one day our paths will cross again!" All the dwarves respectfully stamped their feet or said "Aye," or "ere, 'ere."

Everyone got up and started making their way to their destinations. Ori, Dori, Balin, Dwalin, Gloin and Oin, who were in the Royal dining hall for breakfast, hurried towards the Great Hall, and it seemed like most of the rest of the other dwarves did too. That left Kili and Tauriel and Bilbo in the dining hall. Kili looked at them and said, "Well, I should probably attend the event in the Great Hall as I would like to see how many dwarves will be staying to help...but Tauriel and Bilbo, you're not required to come. And I wanted to let you know both know how I grateful I am for both of you staying here through all this fanfare. I'm sure you are both missing you're home terribly...so I can understand...if you are ready to make your journeys home," Kili said this last little bit with his head downcast.

Tauriel looked at Bilbo and they both smiled. Bilbo was the first to address Kili, "Yes, I think my thirst for adventure has been sated for quite awhile. But i do so miss my home, young Prince, that is true. I miss my books and fire and comfy chair, but mostly my gardens; and of course my pantry will need to be restocked, of course," he winked at Kili. "But, I had promised I would stay until your home is restored to you. And, yes, it is well on its way - But I will also stay until i see you crowned King, Kili. Thorin and Fili will have been proud to see you become King and I will take their honorable place at the ceremony, if...if you are amenable to that," Bilbo bowed his head. With a tear in his eye and a smile Kili reached out and gave Bilbo a great hug, "Of course, my friend- I think that is a wonderful idea!"

Tauriel stood there getting misty eyed and smiled at the two hugging before her. When their embrace was ended, Tauriel sniffed and addressed Bilbo first, "Master hobbit- I think I can show you something that will make you a little less homesick, after we attend the event in the Great Hall," she smirked. Bilbo just gave her a smiling quizzical look, then Tauriel turned towards Kili and grasped his hand, "My love- my home is wherever you are, for I shall never leave your side, now that you are returned to me." It was Kili's turn to sniff and he reached up and gave her a sweet kiss, heedless that Bilbo was also right there. For his part, Bilbo just looked up at the rafters and whistled until they were done, but he too had a tear in his eye. After their kiss, still holding hands, Kili said, "Okay, let's head to the next room."