Day Five: First Time

NOTE: This prompt might have been about something fluffy and romantic but I decided to go down a darker route. And it has been interesting to write but also painful. Hope you like it nonetheless.

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Tauriel didn't know what to make of it. Even when he had been struck down by an orc's poisoned arrow, Kili had not looked this forlorn. But there he was huddled in a corner with his brother, saying not a word. The elf warrior was struck by their silence, such a terrible silence. She wanted to inquire after their health but she hesitated because of the grave expressions on their faces. What had happened during their latest conversation with their uncle?

Earlier, they had left to discuss certain pressing matters with Thorin Oakenshield and they were in very good spirits. A great battle was about to commence and all the men, elves, and dwarves needed all the allies they could get. This was not exactly a palatable idea to the heir to Erebor so his nephews decided to try and convince him to set aside ancient slights for the sake of a better future. Tauriel had been very encouraging of this endeavor and she had wished them well.

But seeing their state after the discussions, she knew that they had not succeeded in their mission. Clearly, Thorin was against the idea of working with his former enemies but there was still something that bothered her about Fili and Kili's reactions. It did not take the keen eyes of an elf to see that they were broken-hearted.

Another dwarf had noticed the concerned look on the elf's face so he approached her and decided to explain the situation.

"I see that you are worried about them," Bofur commented, taking Tauriel slightly by surprise, "and I don't blame you. It was a painful scene to watch?"

"But what happened exactly?" Tauriel asked earnestly, "How bad was it to cause such sorrow in their hearts?"

Bofur sighed heavily. "None of us anticipated such stubbornness from Thorin," he explained, "it was different from how he usually was. Somehow, entering that mountain changed him and we do not know how to reach him anymore. He was proud and stubborn before but this is something else. A darkness has crept into his heart and there is a glint of madness in his eyes that is not wholly unfamiliar to the more aged among us."

Tauriel listened attentively and with growing concern.

"He insisted that we break all ties with the elves," Bofur continued, "and when Fili and Kili tried to make him see reason, he refused and in harsher terms than he had ever used before. We were all shocked, but none more than those two. Kili, in particular, was the most affected."

Bofur and Tauriel took another sad glance at the brothers who were now openly expressing their sorrow. Kili had his face in his hands and Fili put an arm around his brother. Tauriel felt her eyes well with tears.

"Kili even mentioned you," Bofur added, to Tauriel's surprise, "and declared that you had saved his life several times already and that you had treated him with kindness. He said that if there was anyone who was proof of the trustworthiness of the elves, it was you."

The aforementioned elf was moved by such a declaration and now longed to comfort the one who had so staunchly defended her.

"But Thorin was adamant," Bofur continued sadly, "and he even threatened to disown Kili if he continued his association with you. But the lad's a brave one, and although it wounded him deeply to have to do this, he stood up to his uncle for the very first time. And Fili, of course, supported his brother. Thorin was shocked and angry and sent them away with more harsh words. And that is how you find them now, poor lads."

Tauriel stared at Bofur as she tried to process what she had just heard, as she slowly realized the significance of what had just happened. The older dwarf merely gave her a sympathetic nod.

Gathering her courage, Tauriel walked resolutely towards the two brothers, Fili still comforting his dark-haired sibling. The former saw her approach and in a silent exchange of glances, they came to an agreement. Fili gave his brother one more affectionate pat on the back before standing, nodding to Tauriel, and walking away, so that he could have time to reflect alone.

Kili looked up, surprised by his brother's sudden departure but then felt another hand on his shoulder. He looked to see Tauriel, her face full of genuine concern for him and he tried to smile reassuringly. But it was too difficult, he could not hide the turmoil he felt. Tauriel understood perfectly and said nothing. She simply sat down beside him and pulled the shaken dwarf into a warm embrace.