When Kíli and Thorin returned after their walk, they saw Fíli standing alone outside Kíli's chamber. He had a look of nervous anticipation, for Fíli knew he would have to discuss his decision with Thorin, and he was not entirely sure that his uncle would approve. He had, after all, given an elf the permission to come and go as he chose in their kingdom. It was the first time a dwarf had opened his home to an elf since Moria, when the city had been the trading ground for elves and dwarves alike, many ages ago. A flicker of hope had kindled in his heart that maybe there once again could exist such a place for elves and dwarves to come together in peace.
«Fíli? Where is Legolas?» Thorin asked, his voice hard and his brows creased, as he handed Kíliel carefully back to her father's arms. Kíli accepted the bundle with a worried look as he waited for his brother to answer the question. They came closer to Fíli as they walked down the hall.
«He was with Tauriel,» Fíli started uncertainly, his hands anxiously playing with his tunic, as he wondered how to explain all that had happened.
«And where is he now?» Thorin urged impatiently. They stopped in front of Fíli, and Thorin crossed his arms, looking down at him while he waited for Fíli to find his words.
«Well, he came out of the room, worked up and… ehm, crying, and then stormed off. I caught up with him in the Hall of the Kings and we talked for a while.» Fíli spoke quickly, clearly nervous, even though he trusted his own actions. He somehow needed to convince Thorin and Kíli that it was in everyone's best interest to keep Legolas around, for Tauriel.
Fíli went on to tell them about what he and Legolas had discussed, as well as what Legolas had experienced and his relationship with Tauriel. As he talked Thorin's expression grew more and more thoughtful and serious, and he clenched his hands into white fists while pressing his lips to a narrow line.
Kíli stood silent and nervous, listening to his brother's explanation. While Fíli talked, Kíli's thoughts ran like a whirlwind inside his head. All he had thought he had known about Legolas and Tauriel was proven wrong, as he had to absorb all of the information Fíli presented. Kíli realized with a sad note how little he knew about the woman he loved, though what he heard lightened his mind as well. For as Fíli spoke, it became clear how much Legolas and Tauriel meant to each other, and how important his decision had been.
When Fíli was finished, Kíli had a surprised smile on his face, knowing his brother had done what was needed to help his family.
«He has been in there with her for a while now, and I haven't heard anything from inside.» Fíli lowered his eyes for a moment before again meeting his uncle's eyes with newfound confidence and determination. «I stand by my choice, as I believe it will bring all of us peace. Legolas has never done anything worthy of our distrust, and I believe a friendship with him will only strengthen our kingdom. The day he becomes king we will all be happy for it.»
Thorin had a restrained look on his face as he weighed his nephew with his eyes. «Sometimes I forget that you will be king, Fíli, and I rarely give you the opportunity to show your worth. When I look at you, both of you, I see naught but young, mischievous lads, but Kíli has shown me the error of my ways.» He exhaled, and then nodded his head heavily while pursing his lips. «And you prove to me time and time again that you take responsibility and follow your heart, as kings must in difficult situations. And so I will trust your judgement at this. It was a hard choice to make, and only time will tell if we can truly trust the elf. But for now it will be as you have decided.» Thorin laid a hand on Fíli's shoulder and smiled proudly.
The relief was thick on Fíli's face, as was his surprise. He did not know how Kíli had managed to unveil this rare, sentimental side of his uncle, but he did not question it. Thorin's words rang in his head, and he knew the responsibility on his shoulders as heavy as his uncle's hand. He had to remember that the moment could come when he would have to stand and fight for his choice, but he was only glad it was not on this day.
«Thank you, uncle. I am honored by this opportunity, and your trust.» Fíli tried to contain his excited smile as he bowed gracefully before Thorin.
«I will talk with him.» Kíli suddenly declared, breaking the moment between his brother and uncle, as he had been occupied with his own thoughts. They both looked at him with surprised expressions on their faces.
«Will you speak with Legolas, now?» Fíli asked, uncertain if he had understood correctly. «Will you go in there alone?»
«Yes, I feel I owe him that much after all that has happened. I owe him the opportunity to speak of his mind and feelings in all of this. If he is truly our ally and friend I want to show him the respect he deserves.» Kíli's eyes were honest as he smiled kindly and touched Kíliel's warm cheek.
.
As Kíli opened the door and entered the room, he saw Legolas sitting next to the sleeping shape of Tauriel in the bed. The prince was hunched in the chair with his hands caressing the hands and hair of the sleeping girl. He must have been deep in thought for the sound of the door did not stir him.
Kíli thought of announcing his arrival, but ended up watching them for a moment instead. Tauriel was facing Legolas, and sleeping absolutely silent, unlike earlier when Kíli had watched over her. She must have sensed Legolas' presence, and as she had known him her whole life and was used to having him around, having him by her side brought her the serenity she needed to relax completely in her sleep. Legolas also looked calm and relaxed beside her. His shoulders were down and his whole body language was so peaceful. Kíli saw the brotherly love between them so clearly.
Strange, but the sight made Kíli smile warmly. Fíli had definitely done what was right towards both Legolas and Tauriel, and just the fact that he had known it was the right thing to do surprised Kíli. Sometimes he forgot how much Fíli saw and understood of the people around him, unlike himself. Kíli was full of action, and could easily conclude the outcome of a scenario, which made him act as such, and made people think of him as reckless. But he rarely understood the reason or motivation of the people around him, which was another thing that made him happy about the fact he would not be king. Fíli was a born king, with his reason and understanding for people he didn't even know. I was a strange thing, how different and yet alike they were.
Suddenly Kíliel made a small sound in her sleep, and Legolas' head spun around. As he saw Kíli standing by the door, the elf stood and took three long steps away from the bed. Instantly Tauriel made a sad noise and stirred in the bed, though she did not wake.
«Kíli,» Legolas spoke, his voice strangely nervous, and his body had again taken the tense and ready-to-fight stance it had earlier in the captain's chamber.
«Legolas, I have spoken with Fíli, and I heard all that you said about Tauriel and your life together.» Kíli lowered his eyes for a moment as he considered what to say. «I agree with his decision. I never wanted to come between the two of you. Though I will not apologize for my love, I realize how important you are to her, just by looking at the two of you. I welcome you to stay as long as you wish, so that we may get to know each other better. I think that is important, considering Tauriel and our child.»
Legolas hadn't notice the baby at first, but as Kíli spoke his eyes found the bundle in the dwarf's arms, and he took an involuntary step towards him. He hadn't thought of the child at all, nothing but Tauriel had been on his mind. But watching the child now, he realized she was in many ways his niece. The realization brought him immense amounts of joy, and he had to catch his breath at the sudden increase of his beating heart.
Kíli watched him with alert eyes, though he wished to stand by his words of showing Legolas the respect he deserved. So he took a couple steps closer to the elf, and held the cloth by Kíliel's face away, so that Legolas could more easily see her.
Legolas' eyes held Kíli's cautiously, but eventually he bowed down to see the child. He touched a finger carefully to her cheek, and at that moment Kíliel smiled and giggled in her sleep. An astonished smile appeared on Legolas' face, and he continued to trace the shapes of her little face, transfixed. She was a strange, yet beautiful baby to his eyes, with a head bigger than that of a baby elf, her nose and eyes also a somewhat bigger, but at the same time she and Tauriel was so alike in appearance. He saw so much of her in Kíliel's colors and shapes, and the image of the little girl he had found and grown up with grew vivid in his mind. It warmed his heart just to look at her.
«She is… beautiful.» Legolas said, as a tear released from his eye and traced the shape of his cheek down to his jaw. He bit his teeth together to keep his face straight in this emotional moment.
Kíli said nothing, simply observed Legolas watching Kíliel with eyes full of happiness and love. He had never seen the elf like that and he smiled, surprised. Kíli realized in that moment how important his daughter was, not just to him, but to all of them. She was a child of peace, for she rendered all that watched her speechless, and filled everyone in the same room as her with happiness. Kíli felt such pride glow in his heart, for he knew she was part of him as he had helped create her. The combination of the dwarven and elvish blood must have created something new. With the interlacing of two people who had nothing but hatred for each other for generations, love and kindness were found and kindled. Kíliel was magical and important.
Legolas failed at keeping his facade controlled. Tears were now streaming down his face for all the emotions he had for the day's happenings. He cleared his throat and dried his tears awkwardly with both hands. He met Kíli's gaze then.
«Thank you, both you and your brother, for your kindness. I cannot say I would have been so generous had I been in your position.» He lowered his gaze again and looked over at Tauriel, who still slept soundlessly.
«We are of two people which despise each other, you don't have to apologize for doing what comes natural to you. I would not have trusted you was it not for Tauriel's love for you. You are the only remaining family Tauriel has, and I want my child to grow up knowing who her family is, all of you.» Kíli smiled his crooked smile, as he watched his daughter sleeping.
Legolas was silent as he considered this, then reached to touch her little hand. Still sleeping, Kíliel grabbed his fore-finger. Both Kíli and Legolas chuckled, and then looked at each other.
«Will you hold her?» Kíli suddenly offered, and before Legolas had properly answered Kíli handed her over to him with ease.
At first Legolas was standing awkwardly with stiff arms holding the baby. He was surprised by Kíli's sudden confidence and watched him nervously, but he soon realized it was a privilege with great meaning, and that he should not take it for granted. It eased him a little, and he held Kíliel more closely to his body, carefully supporting her little head. After another moment he started to rock her softly in his arms. Kíliel was completely still as she kept sleeping, and did not know the great significance of the moment they all shared.
«She likes you. She must have more of her mother's genes, than mine.» Kíli grinned jokingly. Legolas didn't laugh for he hadn't heard. All he saw was Kíliel.
Kíli continued to smile as he watched Legolas holding his daughter, and a bond grew between them. He did not know if it was for Tauriel's sake or Kíliel's, but somehow he began to see Legolas as someone he could trust. It was unexpected, but good.
At that moment Tauriel woke, and by seeing Legolas holding her daughter with Kíli watching them, she realized it must be a dream. But it was a sweet sight, so she smiled and raised her hand towards Kíli slowly.
When they saw Tauriel move, Kíli rushed to sit by her side, and Legolas stood beside him with Kíliel still in his arms.
«How are you feeling?» Kíli smiled sweetly. He took her hand and kissed it. It warmed him to see her smile widely, and he touched her cheek softly. He couldn't be sure, but it felt like her fever was down, and she had more color in her cheeks.
«It makes me happy seeing you both here. This is a good dream,» she said, still blissfully unaware that she was awake. But at taking his hand, she thought it felt strangely real. She creased her brows, suspiciously. «Are you really here, both of you?»
Legolas and Kíli looked at each other, then both turned back to her and nodded.
«Yes, Tauriel, mellon, you are awake. We are both here.» Legolas spoke softly, and released one hand from under Kíliel to touch Tauriel's other hand.
Tauriel creased her brows again, and looked back and forth between them a couple of times. «And you are holding my daughter. How can this be?» She asked worried, as her concerned eyes watched Kíli.
«It's a long story, my love. We will tell it later when you are finished resting. You have still a long way to go before you've gathered your strength.» Kíli leaned in to kiss her forehead, but she cut him off by stubbornly sitting up in the bed.
«I don't want to rest any more. I feel fine. Tell me what happened.» And it was true, she felt more like herself than she had done in many months. She wasn't used to such kind treatment, and she started to feel the usual restlessness stir in her legs. She had never in her life laid in a bed for more than a night's rest. She needed something else to think about.
«Tauriel, it's all fine. There is nothing to worry about. Listen to Kíli now; you need to rest.» Legolas was stern as he spoke, and yet he rocked Kíliel carefully in his arms. It was a strange look, and Kíli smirked silently. But Tauriel didn't listen, she only glared at them. Clearly she had gotten some of her old strength back. At that moment Kíliel started to cry, and Legolas froze, uncertain of what to do. His gaze flashed between Kíli and Tauriel, though Kíli looked just as lost.
«Be like that if you want, I don't care. Give me my daughter; she must be hungry,» Tauriel released her hand from Kíli's grip and held out her arms towards Legolas. Legolas was staggered, but handed her the child as she asked. Tauriel smiled widely when she got Kíliel back into her arms, and the girl calmed down immediately at the touch of her mother.
«I will leave you three for now, though I won't leave this kingdom, I promise.» Legolas smiled and turned to walk out of the room.
«Legolas, wait,» Tauriel said and reached out her hand towards him. Legolas hesitated, then walked back to her, and took it in his. He kissed her hand softly, and then her forehead. «Thank you, my brother,» Tauriel breathed and smiled as she laid her hand to his cheek for a moment. Their eyes were locked, and Legolas saw her love clearly, and he was happy for it.
«Be happy,» he said, and rose away from her touch. He reached to brush Kíliel's hair once more, and the babe held his gaze for a moment with a wondrous expression. Legolas smiled sweetly at this.
«You have my friendship and eternal gratitude, Legolas.» Kíli said with a grateful smile, as he took his hand firmly in his own. Legolas nodded once thankfully and walked towards the door. He peeked one last time at them, and at seeing their happiness, he felt his heart ache again. He no longer had the urge to love Tauriel in any other way than as a sister, but it would never fail to hurt him that he would not be able to comfort her the way Kíli could. He supposed it was like that for all brothers once their sisters found love in another man. Legolas exhaled and turned away. He closed the door behind him as he left the room.
Tauriel watched Kíli with a mixture of sad and happy eyes, as he grasped her hand firmly between his. Kíli smiled and kissed her forehead sweetly, as to say that everything would be alright now that there were no more troubles waiting for them. In that moment everything seemed perfect, though Kíli knew better than to trust the peace. It was still the issue of his banishment, for he was still not sure if Thorin had changed his mind.
At that moment Kíliel made a small sound, as if to remind her parents she was still there and that she was still hungry. Tauriel smiled widely and caressed her daughters sweet cheek with loving fingers. Then she lowered the pelts to uncover her breasts, so that Kíliel could feed.
Kíli touched Tauriel's cheek carefully, and she looked up at him, with Kíliel suckling from her. She smiled happily and closed her eyes to his touch. At this blissful moment Kíli was determined not to think of anything other than his little family in front of him.
«I am so happy,» Kíli said and leaned in to kiss her lips softly. Tauriel felt her chest heave and she again felt the need for him grow, though she knew it would be a while before she could make love to him again. Her body was still aching and the power had yet to return to her. It was wise to wait, and so she exhaled heavily a couple of times to slow her heart and excitement. She returned her gaze to her child, who was at the moment the most important thing to them both.
Finally Tauriel released her lips from Kíli's, and touched a hand to his cheek while looking deep into his eyes. «What happened with the two of you?» She asked softly, her curiosity only growing more from not knowing.
«We both realized that our hatred was less important than our love for you, and our daughter.» Kíli smiled and looked down on the sleeping Kíliel. «Actually it was Fíli. He convinced both Thorin and me that it was the most beneficial for everyone to let Legolas keep seeing you, because of your history. I know he is important to you, and Legolas knows that you love me, so we decided to forget our differences. You are too important. I think also he fell in love with his new niece. She had a lot to do with it, to be honest.» Kíli chuckled and kissed Tauriel's forehead smilingly.
Tauriel smiled widely, as her eyes filled with water. She looked down on her beautiful child, filled with happiness. Kíliel had finished suckling, and had again fallen asleep against her mother's breast.
«Your family is remarkable.» She breathed through her tears. «I never knew that dwarves could love as much as all of you do. Even Thorin; he cares so much for all of you. Whatever happens in the future, I will be happy, for I have you and the love of your family as well as my own. You have given me all that I could ever wish for. How can I ever repay you, my love?»
«Marry me,» Kíli whispered. He took her hand and kissed it softly as he started into her eyes. «There is nothing else I want; you have given me happiness, love, and a beautiful daughter. All that I wish is that you marry me, Tauriel!»
Tauriel thought her chest would close up and she couldn't breath. But then she leaned in and kissed him passionately again. She cried and laughed between their kisses, and she hugged his neck with her hand with such force. «Im innas, Kíli! Yes, I will; I will marry you!»
Translation: Im innas = I will