Chapter 8: Welcoming schemes of rest and peace
Tauriel lay still with her child in her arms. Kíliel was suckling at her breast, her small eyes closed as she concentrated, and Tauriel laughed silently at the strange sensation. She kept touching her little face carefully with her fingers, as she could not fully comprehend that this was her child. The little babe belonged to Tauriel, as she had created her within her own body. It was indeed magical.
Kíliel had big, beautiful green eyes, with long black lashes framing them. She had delicate, red curls around her little face, and soft, pink lips and cheeks. Her ears were slightly bigger than a usual babe-elf's, yet pointy like her mothers. Her sharp and clear gaze and pout were that of her father's, yet she had the colors of her mother.
«You did well,» the midwife said, still with a skeptical look on her face. She had retaken her seat by the hearth on the other side of the room, so as to survey the new mother and child in case of any emergencies.
Tauriel smiled blissfully, without removing her eyes from the treasure in her arms.
Kíliel had finished eating and now opened her big eyes to peer at her mother. Tauriel was just as captivated, and touched a finger to her soft cheek in amazement. Kíliel «cooed», and grabbed Tauriel's finger with her own, small hand. The little girl yawned and closed her eyes, her hand still grabbing Tauriel's finger, as she tucked it close under her cheek and fell asleep.
Tauriel laughed, tears forming in her eyes for the thousand time that night, as she felt the tight grip of her daughter's hand. It was clear she was full of life, and would grow up to become a strong woman, not unlike her father. She was sturdier built than an elf, yet she was not entirely as small as a dwarf either. She was a beautiful combination.
The vision of the girl sprang to Tauriel's mind then. She wondered if it truly was her daughter she had seen, or if it had simply been her own mind playing tricks on her. She had heard stories of elves passing over before turning around to accept new life, and she knew there were great magic in those borderlands between this world and the next. Yet she could not be certain. She could only hope that she would herself see her child grow into the beautiful woman she knew her to become, was the vision true or not.
Kíliel's big eyes were closed as she slumbered in her mother's arms, her lips pursed and set, and Tauriel knew she would be beautiful. Yet she thanked the girl in the vision for bringing her the strength she had needed to return to her family. Now that she held her daughter in her arms, she could not imagine a life without knowing her. She was so important.
At this moment the handle of the door was pushed down, and Tauriel's eyes flashed to the door, waiting to see her lover return. It was not Kíli returning, but rather his mother. Disappointment washed over her for a moment, before the warm face of Dís gave her back her senses. She was in truth excited to show Dís her child, now that she had gained her as her mother.
Dís was calm and silent as she entered the chamber, her hands folded as she took in the scene and the new mother with her child. She wanted to make sure Tauriel was willing to have company, and it gladdened her to see the tired elf smile blissfully at her. The babe was small and fragile looking, lying in her arms, and the sight filled Dís with great pride.
«May I come in?» Dís asked carefully as to not wake the child. Tauriel nodded faintly, exhaustion finally catching up with her.
«Of course, mother,» Tauriel said, and she stretched out her hand for Dís to take. Dís sat down beside her as she took her hand. Tauriel's grasp was firm still, yet the dwarf could feel her light tremble of weariness. «Where is Kíli?»
«He was needed by his uncle, yet fear not. He will come soon.» Dís smiled, and caressed Tauriel's cheek and brow carefully. Her eyes fell upon Kíliel then. «She is beautiful, my child. Rest now, and regain your strength.» The elf smiled up at her with a weary expression. The touch was sweet on her skin, and she already felt the life of the Eldar reenter her slowly, as she lay quietly with her child in her arms. She had not thought of the need for rest since the birth, though as Dís mentioned it Tauriel felt her lids grew heavy and her sight blurred.
«Thank you.» Tauriel was not sure if she thanked for the compliment of her daughter, or the permission to rest. Yet she felt her body grow calm. «Will you take her?» Tauriel asked faintly, as if she was afraid she would drop Kíliel if she fell asleep.
«Will you first tell me her name?» Dís asked with a sweet smile on her face, as she saw Tauriel's fatigue. She took the child from her arms; the girl was still sound asleep. Tauriel smiled and touched her little cheek again as she lay in her grandmother's arms. She was scared the girl was only a dream she would lose the moment she was taken from her.
«Her name is Kíliel,» Tauriel breathed, almost inaudible as she closed her eyes and disappeared into a dreamless slumber, dearly needed by the new mother.
Dís touched Tauriel's face carefully one last time, and tucked the pelts around her before turning her full attention to the child. The little girl slept soundlessly, her sweet mouth moving faintly with each breath, and Dís saw her son in that little face. The name was beautiful, as a combination of the elvish and dwarvish form, and fitting the miracle that was her grandchild. Her pride was warm and sweet in her heart, and Dís touched one of the locks of her red hair, seeing Tauriel as well in her warm colors. The child was indeed perfect, with the best of the elvish and dwarvish heritage.
Dís watched as both mother and child slept peacefully, as they both deserved after such a long labour. She traced the soft shape of Kíliel's cheek and nose, remembering the way she had held her sons when they were as young. It was strange how they had grown from small bundles into great, yet different, dwarves. It both saddened her and brought her pride.
Kíliel stretched suddenly and grabbed Dís' finger, still without waking. She made sweet noises, and curled within the bundle. She started to suck the finger softly, and Dís smiled joyfully, immediately forgetting everything else.
At the same time in the captain's chamber, Legolas stared into Kíli's face. His stormy blue eyes had a look of shock, as he stood completely still in front of the dwarves. Many thoughts rushed through his head, yet he did not manage to say anything. He felt his reluctance leave him finally, as he dropped his shoulders in defeat. The elf seemed to shrink where he stood, as he lowered his head and relaxed his stance. He understood there was no reason to fight it any longer. What would he gain by it?
«If it truly is her choice, I will accept it.» Legolas' head was hanging down as he spoke, his eyes on the floor. He felt all his hatred and will to fight leave him suddenly, and a strange feeling of serenity filled him, one he had not felt in a long time. A faint smile of relief played about his lips, still he kept his head down so the dwarves did not see. He did not want to give them the satisfaction of thinking they had cured his mind.
Kíli exhaled heavily, but remained cautious. He was still unsure of the elf's motives and plans, and he did not want to underestimate him.
Thorin stepped forward, and laid a hand on his nephew's shoulder. He was content it had gone the way he had wished, and sent Kíli a hopeful smile. «Then everything is resolved,» Thorin spoke, partly a statement and partly a question, as his eyes turned to Legolas once more.
The elf nodded faintly as he raised his head and met the King's eyes. Then his eyes turned dark again with a shadow of doubt, before he spoke: «Then again, not everything.»
Thorin looked at him with eyes full of suspicion. What tricks did the elf hope to play this time?
Legolas saw, and his expression eased, honesty filling his eyes as he spoke: «Do not misunderstand. There is still the issue of my father. Forgive me, I had forgotten all about him. He wants Tauriel to return, as you can imagine, though I do not know what plans he have for her. I do not trust his intentions any longer. As of yet he does not know about the child. It complicates things. I do not wish to see Tauriel or her child harmed in any way. Though I am not sure it can be helped with my father. I fear his mind has darkened of late, as he occupies himself with the memories of the ages of war.» Legolas spoke with great seriousness, his brows creased, as he considered it all. It seemed he was talking more to himself than the dwarves, yet they realized the graveness of the situation.
«Something must be done,» Fíli spoke for the first time since they entered the chamber. He felt a need for action, though he did not know of what kind. Fíli was tired of feeling useless, as he had not been able to help his family over the last twenty-four hours. He needed to stand and speak his mind in this hour of need. He would do what needed to be done.
Thorin turned to him, his eyes serious. «You are right, Fíli, though what? I fear this may not be so easily resolved by convincing speech, and I do not wish any of us to travel all the way to tell the king that we do not heed his menace. And for that matter, why did he not come here himself, instead of sending you?» Thorin turned to Legolas again, his eyes narrow and accusing.
Legolas pursed his lips in annoyance and spoke with a hard voice: «Do not be so hasty to assume, Thorin. I sent myself, as my father would never have allowed it. What he ordered was not specifically meant for you, it was simply something he told me on our last meeting. He was not happy for Tauriel's disappearance, yet I gave no hint of where I thought she might be hiding. I begged for him to wait, to see if she would return on her own. I then rode out in secrecy, seeking her on my own behalf. I simply wanted to know if she truly was here, to see if my fears were true. Do not accuse me, Lord Thorin, for I deserve nothing but your gratitude. I can prevent you any difficulties with my father, if I can only figure out what to tell him of all of this.»
«I am not so sure you should tell him anything about that we have discussed. Think of it,» Thorin wondered, his hand stroking his beard. His eyes wandered about the room, as his mind was at work. His eyes last ended on Kíli's face.
«What do you mean?» Kíli asked, his eyes full of worry for all the fearsome things Legolas had said. He again felt his fear grow dark in his heart, as his love for Tauriel only ever seemed to bring bigger turmoil and problems for his family.
Thorin turned to Legolas again, his eyes determined now. «I wonder, if you would return to your father, telling him you found no trace of Tauriel. Though perhaps it would be even better if you told him she had perished in an orc-attack, or some other tragedy, the details of which you can decide for yourself. Then he would have no reason to accuse us, and all who would suffer would be the orcs crossing his path.»
Legolas listened with intrigue to this scheme of the dwarf lord, and he nodded slowly as he realized the genius of it, as well as the need for the lie. It would make everything easier for the elf he loved, even if he felt a sharp pain by the thought of letting her go. He only wished for her to be kept safe, far away from his father's wrath.
Legolas' eyes grew sad for a moment as he spoke: «What would become of Tauriel, then? She would never have a home to return to. She would lose her kin and forest.» He could not imagine losing the forest, it would have broken his heart.
«Tauriel will be safe with me. It is still not certain what will become of us, of our little family, but I have hope as long as she is with me.» Kíli spoke, though his heart was heavy with trouble, he felt lighter when he thought of her, and the years they would spend together.
«I am glad,» Legolas spoke calmly, to everyone's surprise, as well as his own. His voice was strangely soft, like a stream in the forest. His words were easy to listen to, as they filled the room in a strange fashion. «I am glad to know you will be with her, protecting her. I have faith in your heart, young dwarf, as I know it to be genuine. But I bind you to your word, and know that you will feel my wrath if you do not keep it.»
«You have my word to keep her safe; I will give my life for her if necessary!» Kíli said reassuringly, as he stepped forward, straightening himself to his proper height. It made him feel not quite so small in front of the elf. He stood still a foot lower, yet he felt they were equal, striking a bargain mutually important to them both.
«Good,» Legolas said, a faint smile playing about his lips. He narrowed his eyes then, as he turned to Thorin again. «If you judge this to be the best plan, then I will follow through with it, yet I need to know if Tauriel agrees with all of this. For all your promises, I cannot rely on your words alone. Yes; I will leave with the intention of never coming back; I will lie to my father, my king. I will live my life in peace, but I need to talk to Tauriel before I decide what I will do. A final word with her, and I will never bother you again.»
His words lingered in the air between them as silence grew. Everyone turned to Kíli for this decision; it was his choice, even if Thorin was king and usually decided who came and went in the mountain. Only Kíli could make this decision concerning the woman he loved.
He exhaled, though his eyes were calm. Kíli looked to his uncle, and then his brother, both of whom had anticipating gazes, anxious to know what he would say. Fíli laid a supporting hand on his shoulder, as if saying he would support his brother no matter what. Kíli expected this, and so it was the smile Thorin sent him that gladdened him the most. He saw now in his uncle's eyes the approval he had yearned for the last twenty-four hours, and it filled him with strength and love.
Finally he turned to Legolas, who's expression was hard, though nervous. It was a strange feeling, holding so much power over someone else, and Kíli realized he was not fit to be king. It surprised him how glad it made him.
Kíli opened his mouth and spoke then with a frank voice: «You have been honest and helpful, of which I thank you, Legolas son of Thranduil, and I owe you my honesty in return. Firstly, this is not my decision to make. I do not own Tauriel, and so I will not decide anything on her behalf. Though, as she is not here, she cannot agree with seeing you, as I cannot deny you. And so we will escort you to the chamber where she lies, to let her speak for her own heart.»
Legolas' expression eased, and he had a look of surprised relief in his eyes. Thorin also was surprised by his nephew's words, yet he supported the decision. He felt pride from Kíli's poised logic, seeing the power in him that Dís had talked about. Fíli's eyes were big as his brother talked, and Thorin knew himself and Fíli never would have made the same decision had they been in his stead. He smiled at the thought.
«Take me to her,» Legolas said, and he grew in stature to his full height again. He would not appear broken before her, a servant of the dwarves, yet if they had an agreement. If it were to be the last time they would see each other, he wanted to look the prince that he was.