Dís and Thorin had not spoken much after their discussion. Now they both were in the hallway, listening to the wails and cries of Tauriel, as she gave birth to her and Kíli's child. Thorin sat in the chair, and Dís stood in the middle of the corridor, tapping her foot with anxiety and anticipation. They both knew they had a lot to discuss, about Thranduil and the possibilities of war, yet this was not the time to do so.

Fíli was leaned against the wall, his arms over his chest and his head hanging down as he listened. It was not a comforting sound, and his memory of Kíli's birth was alive in his head. He hoped this would end just as happily, yet he dared not hope too strongly. As his uncle had pointed out; who knew what condition their child would be in?

What if the babe was too big for Tauriel to deliver? What it if was deformed? Fíli exhaled heavily as he tried to keep such thoughts at bay. He would not believe his own accusations.

After a while the sounds stopped, and they could not hear anything from inside the chamber.

Fíli looked to his mother, who had a mixture of hopeful and nervous expressions on her face. He looked then to Thorin, who straightened himself in the chair. He had his hands on either of his knees, and looked as if he was ready to jump up at any moment. They were all nervous for what was going on, yet they would not dare to enter the chamber uninvited, for fear of disturbing the birthing mother. And so they waited.

They did not have to wait long, for suddenly the door was opened, and in it stood Kíli. He was covered with sweat, his eyes full of fear and confusion. Fíli, Dís and Thorin all held their breath as they waited for something, some indicator of what had happened.

Then they heard a newborn child's cry, and they all drew a relieved breath.

«I am a father,» Kíli breathed disbelieving, took three long steps and threw his arms around his brother. «I am a father,» he laughed this time. Fíli laughed with him, and hugged his brother happily, slapping his back with excitement.

Dís felt her eyes water as she watched her sons. She had not dared to hope much, yet she felt her relief lighten her chest of a heavy weight. She glanced at her brother, who had stood from the chair. Thorin seemed torn, like he wished he could join in the hug, yet he restrained himself. He had a serious, though relieved expression, and Dís smiled at her silly brother. She walked over and hugged him.

«Tell him how happy you are. He deserves it,» she whispered into his ear, as he also put his hands around her and hugged her firmly. Thorin smiled, and felt a tear leave his eye, yet he straightened himself and let go of his sister after a moment.

«Later,» he mumbled, his face serious again, as he took a step back from her. Dís rolled her eyes at him, yet smiled. Nothing could sour her pride and happiness at this moment.

Kíli released himself of the embrace with his brother and turned to hug his mother next.

«My beautiful son,» she said, as tears again filled her eyes. She kissed his forehead, and hugged him for a long time. «I am so proud of you.»

«Thank you, mother,» Kíli said, his arms shacking with nerves, as he had a lot of emotions going through him. «You must come meet my daughter!» He urged them, and Fíli and Dís was excited to hear this, their faces glowing with happiness and pride. Yet there was one who did not partake in the celebration, and it froze Kíli's happiness for a moment. His uncle met his gaze with a hard expression, and Kíli felt pain stab him in a cold moment of disappointment. He was not sure if it was his own or his uncle's he felt the hardest, yet he had not wished it at all.

Kíli turned away from his uncle's gaze, as he walked right by him towards the chamber, with his mother and brother not far behind. He threw Thorin a last glance as he stood by the door, his eyes full of pain, as he exhaled heavily. This was not the reaction he had hoped for, but after the last twenty-four hours, he had not expected much else.

«My King!»

Thorin was startled by the sound of his title just as Kíli turned to open the door to the chamber. They all turned around to look at the guards coming towards them in the corridor, a lantern light that came closer with rushing steps. The light danced over the stone walls, making the shadows bow away in the dark corridor as they came closer.

«Commander? What is the meaning of this?» Thorin demanded, his voice hard and powerful, as he squinted his eyes against the intruding light. Thorin was not happy with this, as he had ordered no one to disturb them during all of this. He weighed with his eyes the commander and the two guards following him as they stopped in front of him, the light of the lantern leaving all their faces drawn and grim-looking.

«I apologize for the disturbance, my Liege. Yet we have urgent news that demands your attention.» The commander was hesitant, his eyes nervously fleeing from one gaze to the other. He was uneasy, knowing this was a private scene for the royal family.

«What is this news?» Thorin asked impatiently, his voice deep and serious now as his eyes pierced the commander's. He knew he would not have interrupted them, was the news not urgent.

«There came an elf from Mirkwood, my Lord, speaking of possible war. He said his name was Legolas, son of King Thranduil, and he demanded to see you.» The commander spoke more certain now, as he had gotten his king's attention.

All were startled as they listened. They had not expected the prince of Mirkwood coming all the way after his elven captain. Kíli stepped forward, his eyes hard and demanding.

«What is he doing here? Has he come for her?» His voice was strong, yet there was a sound of worry to it that only his family could detect. He looked to his brother, who too had a serious expression, and could do little to ease his brother's worries. Kíli turned to the commander again, waiting for an answer.

«He would not say what he wanted, he demanded simply to be taken to King Thorin.»

«I want to see him,» Kíli said as fast as the commander was finished talking. Fíli touched his brother's arm, and the look he gave was worried, as if asking if that was really a good idea. Kíli didn't look to his brother. His eyes were locked on Thorin's, and there was a plea in that look which no loving uncle ever could have turned down. «Please, uncle.»

The commander looked back and forth between nephew and uncle, waiting for the permission from Thorin.

«We will go.» Thorin had a leveled expression on his face, as he spoke finally, his eyes locked on Kíli. His nephews eyes were full of worry, yet he saw a stubbornness as well, and he knew there were no stopping him, so he suggested Fíli to come as well to support his brother. Kíli needed support in this difficult situation, and Thorin was still unsure of his own position in all of this.

«Dís; you stay with Tauriel. Make sure she has everything she needs. We won't be long, I promise.» Thorin turned to his sister and took her hands in his, his eyes steady for the first time that night. Dís nodded, and surprisingly said nothing to object. She couldn't help but give a little smile for the trace of kingly might she saw in her brother's eyes at that moment. She kissed his cheek lightly, feeling her love for him glow. She knew he would do what was right by them all.

Thorin let go of her hand and turned to the commander again. «I want these two stationed outside this door until I come back, and another two at each end of the corridor.» He gestured to the two guards behind the commander. «We do not know what Legolas wants, and I am not taking any risk. Protect the girl and the babe at all cost.»

Kíli watched his uncle as he gave the orders, and he was at the same time confused and enlightened. What he heard his uncle say was completely unexpected, yet he felt a hope grow in his heart.

«Yes, my King.» The commander bowed. «He is kept waiting in the guard's quarters, inside the captain's office. I will take you to him; follow me.»

.

Legolas stood in the stoney chamber, feeling the raw damp of compressed air depress his mind. He could not fathom how any living creature could truly live their lives beneath stone, hidden away, when the open air of the night sky was so reviving and inviting. To walk beneath the stars and feel the life and energy surging was one of the many things he enjoyed immensely, and so he felt deprived and restrained within these cold mountain walls.

Already he missed the scent and sound of trees above his head. Yet if the air was heavy beneath the trees, they were alive, compared to the stony halls of this so-called kingdom. His father lusted for the riches within these halls, yet Legolas did not value any material artifact. He saw no greatness in a kingdom below the earth, whereas he saw value in the richness of a forest, with springs and grass and dirt more alive than any carven stone. He could see no worth in this palace of dead rock.

He stood in front of a small desk, belonging to the captain of the guard; a dwarf with a long, blonde beard, braided with golden rings and threads. It was clearly a statement of his position, yet Legolas did not see the appeal nor did he appreciate the fashion. His uniform was like his beard, fashioned with metalwork of a standard Legolas could not comprehend, and he had no intention to change that fact. He would meddle no more with the business of these creatures than absolutely necessary. All he wanted was her.

And so he stood before the desk, and the captain sat behind it, with two other guardsmen standing behind him, clad in less detailed uniforms suited for their station.

The elf and the dwarf had their eyes locked in a deadly stare, neither willing to let the other get the better of him, and neither willing to give it up.

«Where is King Thorin? You understand the importance of me seeing him? You do not wish for war?» Legolas spoke, his voice clear and sharp, with a condescending tone as he was tired of waiting. He had no patience for the dealings of dwarves.

The captain didn't take notice of the insult, instead he kept his gaze steady, as he continued to stare silently with a tedious expression. He had not spoken one words since Legolas was taken to this small room, and he would keep his silence until the king showed. It was not his job to entertain this outsider, only keep him there for the time being, and no longer than absolutely necessary.

Legolas found his silence unnerving, and his impatience whirled inside his head. He exhaled, crossing his arms across his chest. His fingers felt for his knife which was no longer there in the strappings beneath his left arm. It was usually a comfort for him in stressful situations, and he was unnerved by the removal of it. He had been orderer to give up all his weapons at entering this chamber, and he eyed them disgruntingly, where they lay on a chest in the corner, behind the desk, the captain, and the guards.

The captain did not need to follow his gaze to know what the elf was watching, and he smiled smugly at Legolas' expression as it grew more and more impatient.

«Now, this is unacceptable, I am the prince of Mirk…,» Right then, when Legolas could not bare the silence any longer, the door leading further into the mountain was opened abruptly, and the commander entered the room, followed by King Thorin, with his nephews right behind.

The captain stood and saluted his king before taking a step back, offering Thorin his chair, though Thorin was in no mind to sit down. He took a couple steps towards Legolas, considering him suspiciously as they stood face to face a couple feet from each other. Legolas stood tall and proud with his hands behind his back, as he returned the king's gaze.

Legolas and Kíli then looked at each other, as Kíli stood behind Thorin to the left, with Fíli on the other side. They immediately locked accusing gazes, both distrusting the other and his motives. Legolas reached for his weapons on habit, and gritted his teeth as he remembered they were not there. Kíli kept his gaze steady, yet his heart was beating faster with every second.

Only Thorin's strong voice managed to break the tense moment; «Legolas. What are you doing here? This is no place for an elf. Leave, and we will forget this intrusion this one time. I can not promise we will be as forgiving on later occasions.»

«I am here unarmed, humble, simply wishing to speak with you, my king.» Legolas stood up straight, holding out his arms in a gesture of good will, as he met his eyes, leaving his distrust for Kíli for the moment being. He bowed low before Thorin, even if he had little respect for him. He understood it was the only way he would ever get what he wanted in this situation.

«Fine. Speak of what you seek. I cannot think there is anything of importance I can or am willing to give you.» Thorin crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in a nonchalant stance.

«I do not seek any precious stone or valuable metal, King Thorin. What I seek is of greater importance.» Legolas' suspicion grew as he watched the king and his nephews.

Kíli threw a glance to his uncle, who met his gaze with a slight shake of his head. They should not reveal Tauriel just yet, though Kíli was unsure and unnerved by it all. He would protect her no matter what, yet he trusted his uncle, for the first time that twenty-four hours, to control the situation.

The captain and the commander stood behind the royal family and watched the scene respectfully, without speaking. They knew they were not a part of this discussion, yet they supervised in case the elf would do anything rash. The commander had sent the two other guardsmen to stand at each end of the corridor as Thorin had ordered.

«Well, then speak of it before I change my mind.» Thorin said angrily, though he already knew of what he spoke. Kíli pressed his lips together, too nervous to keep emotions from his face.

«I think you know of what I speak. Maybe you believe it right to protect her for some reason, but remember I am of her kin. Tauriel belongs in Mirkwood, with me.» Legolas' eyes turned fierce, and an angry snarl grew in his face, as he took a step closer to Thorin. His lightning, blue eyes turned to Kíli again with a rivaling glare, who bit his teeth together and nearly snarled himself. Fíli put a hand on his shoulder then, and Kíli exhaled deeply to keep his temper down. He would not do anything stupid, not before the elf did. He was better than that, and he needed to be strong for Tauriel and their daughter.

«You mean your elven captain? Yes, I remember her. Red hair, tall, if memory serves me right. Why would you believe her to come here? These are ridiculous accusations, Prince.»

«Do not play me for a fool, King. It will be a mistake on your part.» Legolas spoke with a threatening snarl. He was tired of the games. They both knew she was hidden somewhere in the God-forsaken mountain, and he would find her.

«I cannot give you what you seek, Legolas. Go home and do not come back.» Thorin spoke calmly, his words weighed with a kingly power, as he turned away, signaling that he wished an end to this conversation, and put a hand on Kíli's shoulder. Kíli met his gaze with a trembling look, his entire body tense with fear and power ready to defend his woman. Thorin calmed him down with a slight smile, promising his nephew that it all was well.

Legolas eyed them with lips pressed together, his temper rising gradually. «I will not leave. I know she is here, and I will fight you all for her, if I have to. She is my… friend, of several dwarven lifetimes, and I will not abandon her to you, the disgrace of Aúle.» Legolas spit the words with disgust.

«You will not reach me with words of provocation, elf. And there is only one of you, whereas there are many of us. Do you truly believe you have a chance? The maiden and her child will stay safe here, with us.» Thorin turned to him again, with a hand on either of his nephew's shoulders, as he again felt his right to love them as a father had been restored. It filled him with renewed power. «There is nothing you can do.»

Legolas stood as if frozen, his expression confused at first. Then his mouth fell open slowly, as he took a step backwards, reaching his hands out to gain balance, and Thorin realized his mistake. Legolas had not known of Tauriel's pregnancy, and he had just revealed it to him, in the worst possible way. He cursed himself for the stupidity of his mistake.

Legolas watched the three of them, his mind racing to find a solution, something to give reason to it all. The dwarf had said 'The maiden and her child'… he could not possibly have meant her child?

Legolas straightened himself as he regained his self-control, his expression hard as he spoke: «What are you talking about? Who's child?»

The dwarves shared looks, before again turning to Legolas. Thorin found nothing to say as he searched his mind. Kíli felt his heart beat heavy in his chest, though did not say a word. Fíli simply held his hand on his brother's back, as he felt it was not his place to say anything at all.

«It is nonsense.» Legolas said again after seeing their distressed gazes. «What you speak of is not possible. Tauriel has no child. You lie!» His voice grew angrier with every word.

«It can't…,» Legolas took another step backwards, and with a hand to his head he searched his memory. He had watched Tauriel every day for as long as he could remember, and bits and pieces which had not made sense earlier, began to make sense now. Legolas had noticed her being away from practice the last couple weeks, at which point he began to worry for her well-being. She had eaten little and grown paler as the weeks went by, and kept more and more to herself. Her clothing had changed as well. She wore looser tunics and used neither her usual captain's jacket nor any corsets or belts.

His gaze pierced Thorin, as a tear of realization left his eye. How had he been so blind? Then his eyes turned to Kíli, who stood at the right side of his uncle, his expression tense and his eyes wild.

«You,» Legolas said, barely audible, as his throat had turned tight and dry. He pointed a finger at the young dwarf, and took a couple steps in his direction. The captain and commander drew their weapons on either side of the king and his nephews. Thorin raised a hand to make them stand down. He understood the reaction of the elf, yet did not wish to harm him unnecessarily.

«You stole her, poisoned her mind, you filthy, unworthy… Amin feuya ten'lle!» Legolas sneered, his white teeth bared. His hatred of the dwarf was overwhelming, and he found no words in the common tongue to describe it. «It is I who love her; it is me she belongs with. Who are you but a worthless, dwarven lowlife?»

«He did not steal her, Legolas. She came here of her own will.» Thorin spoke then. His voice bellowed in the big chamber.

Legolas' was thrown by this, and he looked at them with desperate eyes as they stood before him. Then his lips were drawn back with disgust as he rose to his full height and looked down on the dwarves. He felt his hatred warm every part of him.

«Of course he stole her! Coward! Dare you not speak for you own actions? Unworthy and immature, I name you.» Legolas again pointed his finger straight at Kíli, who looked away with shame heavy in his heart. He felt the accusations of the elf, and recognized them as the truth.

Thorin took a step towards Legolas then, and he seemed suddenly taller in stature. «You are wrong, elf. My nephew is a great dwarf, and a great father. He has fought for the elf he loves more than I had ever thought possible, shown his might and value as a dwarf. I do not know about the evaluation of elves, but in dwarven standard his worth is greater even than a king of Erebor.» His voice was powerful and washed over Legolas who took several steps away from the king. His eyes were wild, yet he would not challenge Thorin Oakenshield, not in his kingdom.

Kíli looked up at his uncle then, seeing his father stand before him, feeling his love and approval wash over him. At this moment he knew that Thorin had forgiven him, as he heard his regret, and Kíli felt a happiness fill him completely.

Legolas, who had been thrown by Thorin's show of devotion, returned to himself suddenly.

«I do not understand any of this,» he spoke more carefully now, as he realized he had gone too far, yet the anger had not left him completely. He pressed his lips together and wrinkled his brows in frustration. «Why would she leave without telling me? Why would she come here?»

«You know the answer, Legolas. Will you not accept it, after all?» Thorin said calmly, his stance that of a dwarf tired of fighting a long battle. He had himself had to accept the fact of his nephew's twisted love, and he felt more at peace after doing so, yet he did not fully understand it.

«I do not know of what you speak.» Legolas denied stubbornly. No, he would not accept the thought of his love having someone else's child, when it could have been his. And better yet a dwarf… It was twisted, perverse.

«The sooner you accept it you will be released of your hatred. It has happened, there is nothing you can do. Do not blame Kíli.» Thorin said with a serious expression.

Legolas' eyes narrowed, as again his gaze turned to Kíli. He had a bitter taste on his tongue. «Who else are there to blame?»

«Tauriel made her own choices.» Kíli spoke suddenly, his eyes calm and ready as they met Legolas'. He was not unsure any more, for he knew this to be true. Tauriel had chosen to love him, and he felt renewed by the thought. «She chose to love me, and she chose to come here. You know as well as I that there is no way I could have persuaded her, had she not wanted me. She came here, despite the difficulties she knew she would receive from both out kinsmen. Despite the wrath of two kings, and possibilities of banishment for both of us she came here, and she gave me a child she had carried alone for months, a child neither I nor you knew about. Despite everything, she chose to love me. Can you not then accept her choice, if you truly love her?»

The prashe Legolas says during the argument: "Amin feuya ten'lle" means "I hate you" in elvish, and I think it would mean quite a lot once an elf actually uses that phrase.. Thats my idea anyways!^^'

SO much to say, no idea how to start...
I just want to say I struggled with this, as usual, but Im really happy with how it turned out at last. It was not easy, and especially not easy with Legolas' part, as I'm unsure how to write him. But I tried to take inspiration from other fanfics I've read. I dunno, but somehow I imagine elves as there god like creatures, THANK YOU, Jackson... because I think Jackson made them much more gracious than they are in the books, somehow.. it's hard to explain!^^' But it was fun, and I hope you like my vision of an angry Legolas. It was NOT easy, can't stress that enough! ;) And I really tried to give Thorin the possibility to be the king and stand up for his family, which I really liked to write! I love powerful Thorin!^^

Tell me what you think!^^