Writing this through the stomach flu, sorry for any spelling errors and such! Huge thanks to those who have reviewed! I really hope everyone is enjoying this story! Your feedback really helps keep it going! So onward now, to the next chapter!

Chapter three:

It felt as if they were walking for hours, Tauriel's footsteps silent as she led her dwarf companion along the bubbling brook that was the main source of transportation into the outside world. Occasionally she could feel his stare upon her features as they went, his curiosity growing with each yard passed. She did not address him, her gaze fixed forward as she kept her mission in mind. Hesitating or meandering might result in the guards' notice of their absence. Something she was not willing to allow at this time.

"Where are we going?"

She did not meet his gaze as he inquired, her own eyes remaining on the path ahead. Conversation with the dwarf was something she craved more than ever, but instant gratification was unable to be met now. Once they were safe from the careful ears of her people, then they could converse. For now, the sun was distant from the sky, the night still new and alive. She inhaled softly, the breeze cool as they stepped through the snags and twisting brush of Mirkwood.

"...Or just don't say anything," the dwarf shrugged, mouth curving into a small smile. "For all I know, you're going to feed me to the spiders. But such seems worth it in the company I am in now."

Under the dimly lit atmosphere, Tauriel felt the blood slowly flush in her cheeks. She inhaled, peering at the dwarf out of the corner of her eye before they continued on. The leaves rustled softly against the moss covered ground as the densely grown forest became more open. Finally Tauriel stopped, her eyes fixated on an opening that lay several yards above them. There, through the break in the trees, the two figures could clearly see the night sky. The darkness littered with the tiny glows of stars and the warm, ever present glow of the moon.

"Sit," the elleth smiled, taking her own seat. "I think it's time you realized the stars true beauty."

Tauriel sat in the center of the boat, her arms wound around her knees as the other dwarves quietly rowed through the ice filled waters of the river. She could feel Kili's stare upon her, but struggled to meet his gaze as his hand rested on her arm. She felt ill, embarrassed. And as Lake Town grew more and more distant from sight, Erebor several miles off in the distance, her mind began to swirl with the possibilities of what was to come.

"I like Freya."

It was an off comment that caught Tauriel by surprise. She looked to her companion, his lips slightly pursed as he met her stare. He shrugged, his attention briefly changing to the tumbling current of the icy water.

"My Uncle's name was Frerin," he replied. "A bit of a play on that I suppose. But if it's a girl-"

"And what if it is to be a boy?" Tauriel replied, now curious.

Kili shrugged his shoulders, offering her that half smirk that caused her heart to flutter so. "Haven't thought that far ahead yet."

The she-elf inhaled, her gaze wandering to the water. Something about it seemed so soothing. Despite the death the chill would bring, the way the liquid tumbled in over itself was almost peaceful. Tauriel raised her eyes, looking forward to see the brother watching her. Kili too seemed to take notice of his sibling's key interest in Tauriel. Neither being aware of the words exchanged between the eldest prince of Erebor and the prince of Mirkwood.

"When we arrive," Fili began quietly. "You best let us enter first, Kili. Stay outside with Tauriel while we talk to Uncle."

"About what exactly," Kili replied. "You don't think he would welcome the idea of having a grand niece or nephew?"

"I don't think he'd relish its bearer being an elf," answered the brother. "And I mean that with the least offense, Tauriel. But my uncle can be rather...strict."

"I understand," Tauriel answered before her partner could argue. "Do what you think is necessary. I am but a guest in these parts."

"You hold a much greater status than that of a guest," Kili told her firmly.

The elleth did not reply, merely redirect her gaze elsewhere. The nausea had returned to her belly, twisting and writhing like Smaug's final moments. Being with child was proving not to be the easiest adventure in her life, even more so since it was only in the beginning stages. A human gestation period was nine months, an elf's twelve, and a dwarf's ten. Exactly when the child would be born, there was no direct answer. And though it was ridiculous and brief, a momentary thought came to mind that perhaps she might remain pregnant forever.

"Tauriel?" Kili inquired, his voice filled with concern. "Is everything alright?"

"Freya," she replied quietly. "I...it is a good name."

Kili smiled warmly, reaching over to grasp the elleth's hand. Tauriel returned the affection, though her smile less prominent than hers. She worried, feared a lot for the life of their child and Kili's. Something was coming. She could feel it in the air, smell it in the wind. And as they grew closer to Erebor, a sense of darkness seemed to constrict the oxygen in her lungs. She exhaled, letting Kili's touch bring her comfort as they approached the gates of her temporary home.

I promise chapters will get longer, I've just been sick for these past few days but I really wanted to get something out to you. Feedback is greatly loved and appreciated, let me know your thoughts. We'll be skipping a few months next chapter to get Tauriel further along. But follows, favorites, and comments keep me writing! Until next update! -Jen