This chapter was originally ridiculously long, so I split it in half. Hope you all enjoy :)

"It was afternoon when I last saw her, my Lord, near two days ago." Caelbes bowed her head respectively as she spoke. "I have not seen her since. I suspected you allowed her to begin training again."

Thranduil smiled and gestured for healer to leave. "Thank you for your information. If there is anything else you remember from that day, anything suspicious of her actions, I would ask you come to me."

Legolas watched, stone faced but nerves rattling, as the elf made to leave his father's throne room. Then, she paused above the steps, turning to face Thranduil once again.

"Forgive me, my Lord, but I believe there is something."

Thranduil looked to his son, weighing his reaction, before answering. "Go on."

"She was very curious about sick elves," she explained. "I've never heard such a question before."

"And what did you tell her?"

"I told her about pregnancy, my Lord," Caelbes told him, looking confused as she thought back to the conversation. "That was the last time I saw her."

Thranduil waved his hand again, signaling the elf's dismissal. Only when they alone, except for the guards, did the king rise gracefully from his wooden throne. Legolas remained in his spot, watching his father carefully.

"I know she is your friend," Thranduil said lowly, facing away from his son, "but it would do you a great deal of good to tell me where she is."

"What has you suspecting I know?" Legolas questioned. "Tauriel is a free spirit. She does as she chooses."

"I know." The words were almost a hiss. "Is it a mere coincidence, my son, that Tauriel was last seen the day you return with a threat against Durin? Do not be a fool, Legolas. She has thrown her allegiance in with the dwarves. You owe her nothing."

Thranduil turned, striking Legolas with a firm gaze that was mixture of his king and father. Shifting under the look, Legolas gave an uneasy breath of air.

"You are a prince among elves," Thranduil continued. "She was nothing but a member of the guard and even that small title she lost. Tauriel abandoned her kingdom to track the dwarves before and it is evident she has done it again. Her kin, her friendship to you, is nothing compared to her feeling to those beings. Don't give her respect that she does not hold to you."

Legolas watched his father for a moment, then gave in. "Tauriel gave them the parchment, but her horse was saddled before I returned. She was originally leaving for another reason."

"Was Caelbes the last to see her besides you?"

Legolas nodded. Thranduil paused for a moment, thinking carefully, then it was like the answer was whispered to him. A small, unamused smile formed on his lips and he sunk down into his thrown. An emotionless laugh parted his lips and Legolas's stomach turned at the sound.

"Oh, what a silly child," Thranduil chuckled. "She will not last in that mountain. Thorin Oakenshield will not stand for such an atrocity."

"What atrocity?"

"They will abandon her, as she has done for us. Then, we will have her answer for her crimes. If they do not leave her, if they offer her shelter, we will go to her. After she has time to settle in, of course."

"Father," Legolas pressed. "I do not understand."

"My dear son," Thranduil laughed again. "It seems as though your friend failed to mention just how close she became to the black haired archer."

It had been three weeks since Kili held her close in the water, while her fingers traced the outline of the newly discovered ink on his body; three long weeks and two days since she fell unconscious on the mountain side, surrounded by the bodies of orcs. Her time in Erebor had been busy, but uneventful.

She had quickly found out the reason Kili didn't want her to help him during the day. Hundreds of blackened, charred remains of the great people of Erebor remained in the underground city. Therefore, while the dwarves worked on making those areas livable by disposing of the bodies, she and Bilbo worked elsewhere. Whether it was storing large quantities of food, caring for the newly acquired animals, or disposing of the moldy, moth eaten furniture in the homes, Tauriel's time was well filled.

She had not been alone with Kili since their stolen moment in the underground lake. Occasionally she saw him in the mornings, but mostly it was a quick conversation in the evening before they both fell into their designated beds utterly exhausted.

"Only a few hours. I promise."

Tauriel smiled at Kili's statement. For the first time in weeks, he wasn't required to spend the day doing heavy labor. Bard was coming to the mountain to discuss trades with Thorin and his nephews, especially Fili since he would one day be king, were expected to participate in the meeting. However, the rest of his day was free, allowing him to fill the time with his crimson haired elf.

"Don't rush your meeting on my account," she chastised as Kili's hands gently caressed her midsection. Just two weeks prior, Kili's child had decided to make itself known. The bump in between her hips, still small enough to be hidden under the fabric of her dress, had pulled Kili's wandering fingers and palms to it ever since she showed him. "Your son will still be here no matter how long it takes. I don't want you upsetting your uncle."

"Aye," Kili agreed, smiling crookedly. "But I don't think I could upset him anymore. You know, that whole laying with an elf thing."

"Ah, yes," Tauriel laughed softly. "How could I forget?"

Kili's laugh echoed across the main hall. The Gates of Erebor were wide open, letting in the early morning sunlight. Fili and Thorin were on the other side of the hall, in deep discussion as they awaited their ally from Dale. Bilbo was there as well, but looking dejectedly at the open gates. The wizard had departed that morning, vague in his reasoning but assuring the dwarves and hobbit he'd be back again.

Tauriel knew Bilbo would miss him very much.

"I'll find you afterwards," Kili told in her, drawing her thoughts away from the hobbit, "and we can do some practicing with our bows."

"That sounds nice," Tauriel said genuinely, placing her hands over Kili's. They were still pressed to her stomach. "It's been far too long since I fired an arrow."

"We can see who the better shot is." Kili winked.

"I may be growing swollen with you child, my Lord," Tauriel smirked, "and out of practice, but I still have the advantage of hundreds of years. I wouldn't question my accuracy."

"We'll see, winter starlight."

There was a noise from the open gates and the couple turned, greeted with the sight of the Lord of Dale entering the hall. Thorin and Fili were immediately greeting him, but Tauriel watched the two girls that flanked the man. Sigrid folded her arms and smiled superiorly at Kili's hands on Tauriel's stomach.

"I knew it," she grinned.

The rocky terrain was rough and occasionally unstable under Tauriel's feet, but she enjoyed the fresh air and sunlight. The few, scattered trees provided a slight sound of rustling leaves. It was nothing compared to her home forest, but it was enough to soothe Tauriel's ache for nature.

She and the girls had drifted from Erebor and Dale, walking through high boulders and scarce trees as they chatted. Talagor, who wandered the outdoors when he pleased, accompanied them.

"It was only a matter of time," Sigrid said, perched on a smooth rock on the mountain side. Tilda was affectionately rubbing Talagor's nose and whispering kindly to the animal, ignoring the conversation between her sister and the elf. "I wasn't going to say anything though."

"And I thank you for that," Tauriel told her lightly. "It won't matter after another month or so. I won't be able to hide it."

"You shouldn't have to hide the baby," Sigrid argued. "I don't think Kili would want that."

The corners of Tauriel's mouth twitched. "No, he wouldn't," she agreed, coming to sit next to the young woman. "He's completely enamored by the child. He has no shame it comes from a coupling that was out of wedlock."

"You love the child, right?"

"Of course."

"Then, there is nothing wrong," Sigrid assured her. "Kili loves you, you love him, and you both love your child."

"It's more complicated than that." Tauriel leaned her head back, soaking in the warm sunshine as Sigrid took in her words. Tilda's laughter was light and merry amongst the tall, sheer rocks. "Kili thinks everything will work out in the end. I'm not too sure. I don't know if his uncle can be persuaded."

Sigrid nodded. Tauriel had explained the situation on their walk. "He is rather intimidating. I remember when they were all in our house. He was very sullen and…grouchy"

"Yes, but he loves his nephews," she said lightly. "He's only worried for Kili. I think he purposely filled his nephew's schedule after I arrived. We've hardly seen each other since my first couple days here."

"Will the baby be a boy or girl," Tilda called out suddenly from her spot in front of the horse, oblivious to the conversation she'd interrupted. "I want it to be a girl."

"I don't think it will, mellon," Tauriel answered cheerfully at the child. "Dwarf babies are often boys. I'll be having a little prince."

"Can we come by to see him?" Tilda pressed. "After he's born? I love babies."

Tauriel stood and went to hug the young girl. "Of course. I'm sure we'll see each other quite a bit before his arrival."

"Good." Tilda absentmindedly stroked the animal as she thought carefully. Tauriel smirked at her seriousness. "I'm glad you came back to be our friend."

"Me too, mellon."

In that sweet moment, consisting of Tauriel feeling a rush of love for the small child and Sigrid laughing at her sister, everything suddenly went horribly wrong. A breeze blew over the girls and horse and Tauriel's insides froze. The horse jerked from Tilda's grasp, pounding its hooves into the ground and shifting anxiously. The air grew painfully quiet and Tauriel whipped her head around, searching for movement on the horizon. The maze of sheer rocks they were in hide anything further than ten feet away.

The girls neither smelled nor felt anything. They only saw Tauriel's smile drop and the horse fidget.

"Tauriel," Sigrid said slowly, rising from the rock. "What's wrong?"

Tauriel ignored her question. Thoughts ran faster than light through her mind as she tried to hear, listen to what was approaching. Her pregnancy was limiting her acute senses, however, and fear coursed through her veins. How far had they wandered from the cities? Tauriel wasn't sure. The direction they went made Erebor the closer of the two and Tauriel was suddenly thankful Talagor had followed them.

Although, carrying three riders would make him too slow.

In one fluid motion, Tauriel ripped her bow and quiver from the side of the saddle and grabbed Tilda, practically throwing her onto the back of the horse.

"Get on," she instructed Sigrid firmly. "Quickly."

Sigrid paused and her eyebrows furrowed. "Is something coming?"

Tauriel hooked her quiver around her back. The horse made a jumping motion, eager to run but waiting for its master. "Yes. Ride to Erebor and warn the others."

"No," Sigrid argued. She didn't waver under the elf's fiery stare. "I'm not leaving you. The baby-."

"It was not a suggestion." Tauriel fought the urge to shout at the young woman. The smell reaching her nostrils was familiar and lethal. It would only be a few more minutes before they emerged from the rocks. Sigrid was untrained and unarmed. "Your sister will die if you do not go."

"Not without you. You're pregnant, Tauriel. I'm not leaving you behind."

The smell of rotted flesh and dirty fur grew stronger. Tauriel growled under her breath at the human's defiant glare. "Fine. We'll go together. Get on first."

Sigrid did as she said. After Tauriel agreed to leave with them, she moved quickly and efficiently. Sigrid settled herself behind her sister, then turned waiting for Tauriel to hoist herself up. As soon as she saw the look in Tauriel's eyes, her mouth dropped to shout.

"Tauriel! No!"

It was too late. Tauriel smacked the rear end of the horse, ignoring the screams and shouts from the girls. "Ama tyelka!" she bellowed deep, praying for their speed. "Asca, mellon!"

Talagor obeyed her command. His hooves thundered on the rocky ground, weaving among the boulders as he headed up the mountain. Tauriel could still hear Sigrid shouting her name. Pushing the noise from her mind, she strung an arrow between her fingertips, turning to wait. Confident breaths came silently from her lungs, slowly steadying the fear for her child. Tauriel knew she had to keep her nerves down. If she worried for her son, she would make a mistake.

After only a couple minutes, a large, growling mouth appeared around the slab of rock. The warg didn't even have a chance to see the elf, before an arrow landed in between its eyes. Preparing her bow again, Tauriel listened as its companions came to investigate.

Kili and Fili leaned on the massive gates after shaking Bard's hand. True to his word, the meeting had been short with no conflict. Thorin, after coming out of his sickness, had held no ill feelings towards Bard and his children. Kili was sure he even considered the small family his friends.

"Your mountain truly is a marvelous sight," Bard commented, looking up admirably at the gates they were walking out of. "I'm sure you're eager for the return of your kin."

"Aye," Thorin agreed. "It'll be restored to its former glory. You will have to make sure to bring your children again for our next meeting."

"I'm sure they would enjoy it," Bard answered, "but I must decline Bain's offer. He is leaving with a group of merchants traveling to Gondor. He wishes to be a soldier."

"How are his sisters handling that?" Fili questioned. "You are all rather close and Gondor is a long trip."

"Sigrid is upset," Bard replied, "but she won't admit to it. She doesn't wish to worry him before he leaves and Tilda doesn't even realize what he's agreed to do. His father is worried as well, but knows the boy is practically gown. He won't stop him from leaving if he wishes."

Thorin smiled at Bard's response. "That is brave of him. Pass along my praise."

Bard nodded. "I shall. Now speaking of my daughters, do you have any idea what direction they left in?"

Kili pushed away from the gate, looking at Dale on the horizon with the others. "Tauriel wouldn't have gone far with them. Fili and I can go find them and escort the girls home if you allow it."

The Lord of Dale didn't have a chance to answer. A small, distant yell reached the small group. Like an arrow flying through the air, Talagor emerged over a rocky slop, racing down the mountainside to the gates. Tilda was hanging on for dear life to the neck of the animal, face red and sobbing cries loud in the quiet air. Sigrid was yelling, obviously trying to turn the animal around, but Talagor ignored her.

"No no no," Kili muttered. He started running, terror crippling any coherent thoughts. The others were behind him, but it was only a matter of seconds before the horse skidded to stop in front of the dwarves and Bard.

"Where's Tauriel?" Kili demanded.

Talagor stomped repeatedly and Tilda slid from him, running into her father's waiting arms. Nothing could be heard through her sobs. Sigrid was crying as well, but it wasn't in fear as it was for her sister.

"I'm sorry!" she gasped, dismounting from the animal's side. Bard was still gripping Tilda, watching the girls with fearful confusion. Talagor was still moving impatiently and Thorin moved to grip the animal's reins.

"What happened?" Bard asked Tilda. Her tearful, incoherent words were muffled through his coat.

"Where's Tauriel?" Kili shouted for a second time. He glanced to the rocky slope, but there was no sign of his elf.

Fili grabbed Sigrid, her tears falling heavily as painful gasps escaped her lips. "Tell us, Sigrid! What's wrong?"

The girl held tightly onto the dwarf's arms, looking wildly between the two brothers. "I thought she was coming with us. She-she lied and told the horse something in elvish. I tried-I swear!"

"Where?"

"Over that ridge," she said through heavy breaths, pointing to where Talagor came from. "Down the mountain a ways. She and the horse started acting strange."

The horse in question was still pulling against Thorin, backing towards the direction he came. Kili didn't hesitate. Getting tight hold on the saddle, he heaved himself up. He was too short to properly hold on, but he tangled a fist in the mane. Suddenly, he realized he had neither his bow nor sword.

"Give me a dagger," he said quickly to Fili. "I know you've got one on you somewhere."

"I'll do you one better." Fili let go of Sigrid and came to brother, pulling himself up behind him. At the same time, he removed two daggers from behind his jacket and passed one to Kili. "Lets go."

"Hurry!" Sigrid shouted, tearfully as Thorin let go of the reins. Talagor didn't need any prodding or direction. He raced to where he'd come from, straight back to his master. Kili bounced in the saddle, but hissed urges for the horse to go faster.

"Damn smart horse," Fili muttered, clutching his brother's back so he didn't fall. "I think he's worried for her."

"He isn't the only one," Kili growled.

The horse thundered over the ridge and Kili silently prayed to any god or ancestor that might be listening as they disappeared into maze of rocks. Talagor slowed and the brothers simultaneously slid from his back.

"Tauriel!" Kili yelled, his voice echoing off the cliffs and boulders. There was no answer. He hurried into the jagged stone with Fili on his heels. "Where is she? Tauriel!"

"Something scared her," Fili said, as he looked carefully around them. "She sent the girls away for a reason."

"She's pregnant," Kili hissed. A wave of nausea flooded his stomach. He pushed away the urge to vomit. "She can't move as fast, her stamina is lower…she isn't the warrior she was before."

They rounded a large boulder and froze. Blood splattered the white and grey rocks. The dark, unnatural ooze pooled on the ground, leaking from the bodies of several wargs. Each, except one, had arrows embedded in their skulls. The exception was the cause of most of the blood on the ground. Its throat was slashed. The weapon used to do so was in the bloodied hand of an elf, leaning heavily against a slab of stone.

Tauriel looked unscathed. Her hand holding the weapon she used to cut through a warg's jugular was crimson and there was smear on her cheek, as if she had wiped it at some point. Her bow was at her feet and her quiver hung limp against her. Red hair stuck out at odd angles from the braid in her long hair. She looked completely spent, but Kili let out a long held breath of air.

Tauriel took a deep breath, smiling at the shocked brothers. "It got too close," she explained, holding up the arrow in her bloody hand. "I didn't have time to fire it from my bow."

"You're okay?" Kili demanded, striding past the bodies and ignoring the blood soaking his boots. "Are you hurt?"

Tauriel shook her hand, but she was still breathing heavily. Kili belted the dagger and grabbed her, running a hand over her midsection. "I'm tired," she admitted, clutching Kili against her. Fili was examining the body closest to her. "I'm very tired."

"Never again," he said into her chest, looking up at her with frightened eyes. "You can't ever do that again."

"Do what?" She ran her fingers down the long black hair, cupping his cheek with a pale hand. "It was just a scouting pack, but they would have caught up to us if I rode with them."

"I know," Kili's voice trailed off and he shook his head, looking down to her stomach. "I just-I don't want you in another situation like this again. I'm going with you when you leave the mountain, alright?"

She nodded. There was no point in arguing. If Kili didn't put up a fight, the look Fili shot her let her know that he would. "At least I got some practicing with my bow in."

"That's not funny," Kili mumbled, glaring at Fili as the blonde dwarf chocked back a laugh. "That's not funny at all."

"C'mon on then," she whispered. "Let's go home."

Ama tyelka-Agility prayer/spell

Asca-hurry

Mellon-friend

Anyone catch the fact Fili got on a horse? After complaining about how much he didn't like them? I'm addicted to this brotp guys.

Any who, you'll get the rest of this *scene* in a few days!