For the guest reviewer "Strong"-thank you for your apology!

I'm glad you guys didn't hate me too much for that last cliffhanger ;)

Silence could mean a lot of things. It could represent anger so intense that along with shakes of fury and a reddening face, it made one incapable of speaking. Or possibly sorrow so gut-wrenching painful, no words could be formed that adequately described the sadness. Tauriel had even known people grow silent in fear. Their bodies froze, along with any thought process to make sounds.

She desperately prayed it was only mere surprise that had her love completely silent above her.

Kili had not made a single sound since she whispered her confession against his jawline; nor had he moved. One hand was still tangled in her hair, the other gripping her hip tightly. He was kneeling beside her, while she laid down, pushing her torso up with her elbows.

His expression was what really got her though. When Tauriel pulled her head back, his eyes grew wide as her words set in. His jaw set firmly and then, nothing. He froze. Tauriel was about to nudge him when finally there was movement. His eyebrows furrowed and Kili cocked his head to the side.

"Are-are you sure?" The corners of his mouth twitched upwards as he spoke.

Biting her lip to keep at an attempt to keep herself from beaming, she nodded eagerly. "All the signs are there. I am having a child."

Any previous fear of rejection from the father of the bearing she carried disappeared as Kili's smile grew, erupting across his face as he gave another breathy laugh. The hand tangled in her hair tilted her head up as he pressed a heated kiss to her forehead, smiling against the expanse of skin.

"I'm either dead or dreaming," he laughed lightly. His hands moved from her hair and waist, cupping the front of her stomach with his callused hands. "Because this truly is a miracle."

"There's nothing to feel yet," Tauriel said, watching him smile like a fool at her flat stomach, "or even see. It's too early."

Before she could register what was happening, Kili had looked back to her and, with his smile still in place, ducked his head to press his lips firmly against hers. His touch was everything she remembered it to be. His lips were rough, just like the rest of him, but the emotion and fluid motion behind them made it perfection.

Opening her mouth, allowing his breath to fill her, Tauriel detected something new in the kiss; something she had not felt in him before. The last time they were together, which ironically had been their first time, their movements had been driven by desperation. In an unideal location and surrounded by doubts, there had been no savory sweetness amongst their fiery passion.

However, this was different. The kiss, although it only last a few seconds, was soft and endearing. It captured every feeling and thought Tauriel ever had about the dwarf kneeling over her and she absolutely loved it.

Kili pulled away, pressing another small kiss in between her eyes.

"I love you." His voice was soft, but the firmness had returned. For a moment, Tauriel saw the strong line of Durin in him. "This changes things, but not the way I feel."

"It does more than change things," Tauriel interjected. "I am an elf, Kili. Your kin will not approve. No one back home knows about this either. When they find out-"

Kili silenced her with another kiss. Short and sweet, it left Tauriel breathless when he pulled away.

"In the morning, I will tell my uncle." He absentmindedly trailed his fingers over her stomach as he spoke. "I'll propose for you to have sanctuary and if you wish, I'll take you to speak to him yourself."

"There's still the parchment. If there's trouble ahead for your family, your uncle will not want an elf in his kingdom."

"Tomorrow." Tauriel rolled her eyes at his procrastination. "Tomorrow we will start on the lifelong list of problems that have presented themselves. But right now, I just want this." Leaving one hand on her stomach, the other he used to stroke her cheek. Tauriel grasped his hand, smiling as he pressed it closer. "Until the sun rises, let me enjoy this moment."

Tauriel smiled against his hand. It was a foolish decision to waste time on something so trivial, but she would not lie that she desired it too. Three months without the touch or feel of her love was enough to change her priorities. Tomorrow would bring the unknown. For all she knew, an internal war could be struck and life as she knew would come to an end. Whether or not Kili would be standing beside her was not clear.

So, tonight in Kili's embrace she would stay, enjoying his giddy smiles and soft kisses, praying it would not be their last together.

"It's just a scratch." Her statement went ignored. Tauriel huffed a sigh as Kili continued to undo the bandage on her arm with a clean one in hand. "The filth barely touched me before I flung it off."

Dawn was near. The pair had spent the last few hours enjoying the privacy of each other's company. Nothing of importance was discussed. Their conversation consisted of soft praises for their child, breathy exclamations of their love, and passionate kisses. However, most their time together was silent; pale hands trailing across a scruffy jaw, callused fingers circling a flat stomach, and tearful smiles as they gazed lovingly at each other.

Tauriel was still recovering and exhaustion was taking over once again. Her body was sore and she craved to sink back down onto the pillows. Kili would have to leave soon as well. Thorin would require an update on Erebor's visitor and it was likely Gandalf had read the parchment already.

"If it barely touched you," Kili began, tossing aside the used fabric and inspecting the jagged cut across her arm, "Oin would not have felt the need to stitch it, which he apparently did. Now stop being so stubborn and let me put this on."

"That was kind of him," Tauriel mussed, watching the dwarf tie the white cloth around her. "You'll have to thank him for me."

"You can do it yourself." Kili tied it tightly, then sat back to admire his handiwork. "After you've gotten some more rest."

"Is the horse resting?"

Kili smiled. Leave it to his elf to worry about some animal. "Your horse is fine. He's in the stables in the main cave. We can visit him later this morning."

"Good." Tauriel paused. She laid back, stringing her hair between her fingers. Kili thought she might be about to fall asleep, when she suddenly spoke again. "I would like to speak with your uncle as well. Actually, any of them that will listen."

"After I do. I'd much rather you take the aftermath of whatever will spring from my uncle's temper," Kili told her as he left the bed. Tauriel leaned up on one elbow to watch him yank on his boots he'd kicked off at some point. "You've been through enough."

"Kili, I am not some helpless damsel," she argued.

"Believe me, I know." Kili shot her a smirk that she returned. "I'm not sure helpless damsels could rid Mirkwood of giant spiders or outrun orcs for several hours."

"Then you agree with me that is it unfair for you to take all your family's wrath. This is my fault too, Melamin."

Kili finished putting on his second boot, then turned to Tauriel on the bed. He grasped the sides of her face and placed his lips swiftly on her forehead. "This is no one's fault. You said it yourself. This baby is a gift. I just don't know if my family will see it or not. Please rest and I'll come to get you in a few hours."

Tauriel wanted to argue, but the drowsiness was making itself quite known. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept so much in a single sitting, but it was apparent her excursion took more out of her than she originally thought. Showing Kili a face to make her displeasure known, she curled back into the furs scattering the bed.

"Only for a few hours," Tauriel yawned. Kili's hands had wandered from her face to her stomach as she laid down and they were now affectionately tracing the tunic. . "Then, I want a part in this too."

By the time Kili was across the room, he was confident Tauriel had already drifted off. She was still too pale, but her injury was nicely sewn. Remembering the durability of her kind, he was sure the wound would be closed in a matter of days. It was a miracle there was no miscarriage. Tauriel obviously had no stomach pains or bleeding and Kili was sure it was her elven imperishability that saved their child.

Their child.

He'd only known about the life inside of her for a matter of hours and already every thought resolved around it. It was already evident that Thorin would be displeased about an elf in the kingdom, now Kili had to inform him this certain elf was pregnant with his nephew's bearing.

Kili rounded a corner in the stone hallway, immediately running into a mass of blonde hair.

"Oi!" Fili hollered. Kili wobbled on the spot and his brother grabbed him by the upper arms. "Well, look who finally left the she-elf alone. I take it she woke?"

"A few hours ago," Kili answered, shoving his brother's hands off of him. "Did Gandalf read the message?"

"Aye." Fili folded his arms across his chest and eyed Kili carefully. "Said he'll tell everyone what's going when we all get together, but don't try to change the subject little brother. What did she want?"

For a moment, Kili considered lying. The only real secret he'd ever try to keep from his older brother, was discovered after only a few months and this one would not be as easy to hide. Besides, Fili had stood next to him for every hardship he'd been through. Kili was going to need someone by his side when Thorin found out and he couldn't think of better person.

"She came back for us," Kili answered. "For me. I'm going to see Uncle and propose she be allowed to stay."

Fili had the expected reaction. "Thorin will not allow an elf permanent sanctuary here, Kili," he sighed, slightly shaking his head. "It doesn't matter what she did. The rest of our kin will be here in a matter of months. Uncle knows having an elf around would unsettle them."

"I have to try. I cannot let her leave again."

Fili shifted his feet uncomfortably, and looked to the great stone walls before slowly reply. "Have you ever thought…you should let her leave? Considering everything, the hardships you two will face, is this all really worth it?"

When Kili said nothing, his brother continued. "I know that it must be difficult brother, but you have to really think about this. You're a son of Durin. She's a woodland elf. No marriage between the two races has ever been done before. Your duty is to your kin, not her."

"Tauriel is pregnant and I'm the father."

The silence was almost painful. Fili did not move. His gaze was hard and frozen on Kili, who stared right back. Kili waited patiently for whatever punches or yelling was coming his way. He'd seen his brother angry and personally knew how good his right hook was.

"Are you out of your mind," Fili hissed, his hands clenching dangerously. "You laid with the she-elf?"

"Her name is Tauriel," Kili growled, "and yes, I did. I didn't think a child would come from it."

Fili let out an exasperated sigh and gripped his hair. He turned, sharply glaring at his brother, as he paced the width of the hallway. "Of all the irresponsible…Mahal, Kili. You've really done it this time."

"You didn't have a problem with her before," Kili said, mirroring his brother's glare.

The blonde dwarf paused in his pacing. "Because I didn't think you'd slept with her!" he shouted, throwing his hands out by his sides. "For the love of Mahal, Kili. I thought you just liked her. I thought this would just…blow over soon!"

"Well, it's not going to just blow over."

"You don't even realize what you've done!" Fili shouted, striding right up to his brother. Kili had the advantage of height on his older brother, but that didn't lessen the menacing glare. "If they haven't already, her people will banish her for your actions. She won't be allowed to return home, ever! Did you think about that?"

He hadn't, but Fili didn't give him a chance to answer.

"If Thorin doesn't allow her to stay, she won't have anywhere to go."

"If she isn't allowed to stay," Kili whispered harshly, "then I'm going with her."

Fili pulled back, his glare softening and eyes widening. "You can't mean that."

"I won't let Thorin throw her out into the world alone," he declared. "Tauriel is carrying my child and I have every intention on caring for it. We grew up without a father. I'm not inflicting that pain onto someone else."

Kili pushed past his brother, headed for Thorin's room. Fili stayed rooted on the spot, turning to watch his little brother walk swiftly away. Anger seethed through Kili's veins, but before he turned down the hallway, he paused.

"This child is your heir, brother," he called over his shoulder. "What would you do?"

Not giving Fili a chance to answer, he disappeared down the hallway.

"Quiet!" Thorin boomed, slamming his fists on the thick, wooden table.

The twelve dwarves and Bilbo all settled, watching their king with curious eyes. Everyone knew a parchment with the Durin crest was found, but Gandalf had refused to discuss it until everyone could gather together.

Kili had not told Thorin. It seemed wrong to just blurt something like that out and he was desperately hoping he could come up with a clever way to distill his anger. However, nothing came to mind. When Fili entered the mead hall several minutes after his brother, he said nothing. Only a slight nod was shared with his brother as he grabbed a tankard of ale and slid on the bench next to Kili.

"There are several things that need to be discussed," Thorin continued when everyone was silent. "Least important of them, a raven arrived this morning. Our kin is on the move."

There were several whoops and banging of tankards, but Thorin raised his hand.

"They've decided to go round Mirkwood, instead of fight the challenges of the forest," Thorin explained. "When the reach the edge, they will send another bird and I will have several of you leave to assist in the rest of their journey."

"Better they go round than deal with those blasted elves," Dwalin muttered heatedly.

There was a chorus of agreement that Thorin quickly interrupted.

"As some of you already know, one of those elves risked her life to bring us important news," he chastised. Turning, he motioned for the wizard standing behind him to come forward.

Kili took a large sip from his tankard as he watched Gandalf remove the parchment from his robes. The old wizard handed it to Bilbo, who was closest, to examine it and pass it down.

"This is a message system between orcs," he explained. "I have seen one like this before, but it was over a year ago."

"The one that called for my head," Thorin mumbled.

"Yes, the very same," Gandalf replied. "It is no secret Azog survived the battle. Unfortunately, he did not slink away to the East as we all believed. This message came from him, directed to various orc packs in the surrounding areas."

"We know he wants Thorin's head," Balin interjected, "but he no longer has an army behind him. If his numbers have been reduced to just a few packs, then I believe we have the advantage."

"You are not grasping what this means," Gandalf exclaimed, grasping his staff tightly. "Azog's purpose was to stop the line of Durin from reclaiming the mountain. Now that he had failed, he cannot risk going East for fear of his master. He still wants you head Thorin and now he has banished orc packs with no timeline or purpose at his disposal. He wants you to suffer."

"They do not have the numbers," Thorin argued. "This mountain is a fortress. I do not fear them."

"You should," Gandalf grumbled. "He cannot risk open war, Thorin Oakenshield. Azog wants revenge before he carries your head in his fist. He plans to ruin everything around you before he finally kills you."

"What exactly did the message say?" Bilbo question nervously.

"It called to ruin the line of Durin," the wizard answered. "The entire line."

One by one, the heads in the room turned to Thorin's nephews.

"After he has had his fun of torturing you and making life as you know it miserable," Gandalf continued, "he wants every drop of Durin blood."

The blood in Kili's veins went cold. His thoughts went to the sleeping elf in his room and the line of Durin that she carried.

"You said it yourself," Kili said, slamming down his own tankard. "They don't have the numbers to do us harm."

Gandalf gave noise like growl and leaned forward on the table. "You are not understanding. His attacks will not be what they've been before. Azog will hurt those around you. Probably so much that in a few years' time you will willingly give yourself up."

"You're sure of this?" Thorin asked gravely.

Gandalf nodded. "I'm afraid, Bilbo, your journey home will be delayed. Azog knows you were part of Thorin's company. It would not be wise for you to travel."

"Ah, that's alright," the hobbit shrugged. "Much rather stay here than be out there with them."

"I wish to speak to the elf," Thorin said suddenly. "Oin, how injured was she?"

"Out like a rock last time I saw her," the dwarf grumbled. "Odd thing for her kind, but she'll be alright."

"She's resting," Kili interrupted before Thorin could speak. Nerves twisted in his stomach and he felt Fili's eyes on him, but he ignored it all. "She woke for several hours."

"And why was not informed?" Thorin asked slowly.

"I-I wanted to speak with her alone," Kili admitted. "And I have proposition Uncle, but it involves everyone." Every eye was fixed on Kili. When none spoke, he continued. "The elf is Tauriel. She has aided us many times on our quest."

"After she locked us in a dungeon," Gloin muttered. There were several grumbles of agreement.

"She healed my leg after half of you left us in Laketown," Kili said, watching the eyes of his kin turn guilty. "I would have been dead long ago if it wasn't for her."

"She also aided us on Ravenhill." Kili's head whipped to side as Fili spoke up, watching his uncle. "I'm sure you remember that Uncle."

"Aye," Thorin answered.

"Tauriel has done us many good deeds and I would like to suggest she be allowed to stay in Erebor."

It was an uproar. Ale went flying and benches were pushed back as heavy fist slammed against the table. Shouts rang loud and clear, some directed to Thorin to say no to such an atrocity. The others demanding to know if Kili had lost his mind.

"I'll be dead before I see one their kind call this place home!"

"Great Mahal, our ancestors are cursing in their graves Kili!"

"You've got to be jokin!" Dwalin's voice rang above the others. "If you think that wretched breed will be allowed here-!"

Kili shoved his tankard out of the way, spilling its contents. He pushed up on the bench and leaned forward to growl in the older dwarf's face.

"That wretched breed is carrying the next line of Durin!" he spat as the voices cut out around him. "Tauriel carries my child and I will gladly bust your head against this stone floor if you speak of her like that again Mister Dwalin."

Kili didn't notice the open mouthed stares or Gandalf's huff of surprise as he glared at the dwarf across from him. However, he did hear his uncle's deep voice from down the table.

"Kili, what did you just say?"

Melamin-my love

Ahhh don't hate me again! Next chapter won't be a major cliffhanger!