Kili followed Thranduil outside. They walked silently until they reached a large clearing. "Why should I grant you this chance Dwarf?" Thranduil asked, his back turned to the gaping Prince. "Your cousin tried to kill me, your Great-Grandfather used my powers to create jewels and then proceeded to taunt me with them." He turned to the Dwarf, "Why should I allow you to come into my realm and take one of my Elves?"
"Because I love Tauriel and would do anything for her." Kili replied, his voice didn't waver even when his body trembled. "I know Dwarves think lowly of Elves as the Elves think lowly of Dwarves." He continued, "But not all Dwarves are greedy, I promise you that I am true in my feelings towards Tauriel." He rushed forward and kneeled before the Elf-King's feet. "Please, grant me your blessing. I will do anything, even stay in the Woodland Realm if it meant I could be with her."
"You would denounce your home, your family, to live here with her?" Thranduil asked.
"I would. My mother isn't exactly excited about my choice, but she has given me her blessing. It is only my Uncle that still disapproves." Kili replied.
"And if you were to take her back to your home? What would happen to her then?"
Kili hesitated, "Mother wouldn't be pleased, but she would be civil and accept her into our home, I would see to that."
Thranduil didn't answer. He stared down at the young Dwarf as he fidgeted in the silence. After a few moments, Thranduil huffed a silent laugh and smiled. He knelt in front of the Dwarf and reached out to him.
Kili flinched when he saw the Elvenking move. The hand that grasped his chin was cold, it turned him to face the Elf. Kili was surprised to see warm eyes, glittering with amusement.
"You are a strange Dwarf. Just as headstrong and reckless, but you have a strong heart. Something many of your kin lack." Thranduil said.
"Uh" Kili tried to speak, but his tongue was too heavy.
Thranduil smirked and stood. "Come, let us get back. I'm sure everyone is wondering if I have killed you yet."
Kili scrambled after the King. "So…"
"You have my blessing Dwarf. Do not mess this up." Thranduil replied.
Kili beamed and started cheering and dancing. He stopped when he saw Thranduil's raised brow. He cleared his throat and bowed his head, "Uh, sorry 'bout that."
Thranduil sighed, "Do not make me regret this."
They returned to the palace where Tauriel, the Dwarves, Legolas, and Bard were gathered.
"A decision has been made. The courting will take place." Thranduil announced.
Tauriel smiled along with Bard. Legolas nodded while Thorin grumbled quietly.
"And your terms?" Balin asked.
"Whenever they are together they will have an escort. One or two Elves and one or two Dwarves accompanying them wherever they go. If they are to break this then the courting shall end." Thranduil said.
Kili and Tauriel nodded.
"Have Queen Dis notified that she will be hosting a few of my Elves, for when Prince Kili invites Tauriel to his kingdom."
Balin nodded, writing everything down. They discussed more terms before Thranduil dismissed everyone. The Dwarves would be leaving the next day so there would be a large feast to not only celebrate the new courting, but to give their farewells.
"I am surprised you did that." Bard said as he and Thranduil sat in Thranduil's library.
"Did what?" Thranduil asked.
"Allowed Kili to court Tauriel." Bard chuckled, "I was afraid you were going to kill him."
Thranduil sent him an amused look, "I may be cold, but even I am not that cruel. Well, anymore at least."
Bard smirked. "I'm proud of you. I know you are a King, but I'm still proud."
Thranduil smiled, "Thank you Bard."
(Spring)(Summer)(Winter)(Fall)
Sigrid was exploring the Woodland Realm by herself while the others were busy. She could see why her Da fell in love with this place; it was beautiful. All of the Elves were very polite to her and even gave her directions to places in the expansive palace. She eventually came to a door that led outside, she decided to take a walk since most of the spiders had been dealt with. She knew that an Elf was keeping an eye on her, she saw at least one throughout her walk.
"It is unsafe for a young lady to be walking alone."
Sigrid turned to see a familiar man. It was the man she and Tilda had saved in Laketown, the one who was looking for Thran. "It's you!"
The man smiled, "I see you remember me." He walked up to her and bowed, "My name is Aragorn, son of Arathorn."
Sigrid curtsied, "My name is Sigrid, daughter of Bard."
"Bard?" Aragorn smiled, "You must be proud, he is a good man."
"He is, I thank you for helping him save Thran."
Aragorn nodded, "I hope the King is doing well, his lands seem to have healed."
"Indeed, my father has been courting him since the start of winter. Tauriel and Kili have just started theirs. Will you be joining them?" She asked.
"Joining them?"
"Yes, Legolas speaks fondly of you. Thran predicts that you will be asking for Legolas' hand in the near future."
A dark red colored Aragorn's cheeks. Sigrid giggled. "I hope I am not being too forward Master Aragorn."
"No My Lady, I was just not expecting everyone to know."
"Not everyone knows. Legolas doesn't expect anything of that I am sure. It's just Thran who is scheming."
They laughed and walked together until Legolas found them, Tilda was hanging off his back. "Aragorn, I was not expecting you."
"I decided it had been long enough for your father to forgive me." Aragorn smirked.
Legolas smiled.
"Tilda, what are you doing?" Sigrid asked.
"Legolas offered to carry me on his back so that I could see the trees. It was so much fun Sigrid." Tilda smiled.
"I hope that wasn't too much trouble for you." Sigrid said.
Legolas shook his head, "We had a wonderful time." He pat her legs fondly.
"Can he be my favorite? I think you're my favorite." Tilda nuzzled the Elf's head.
"Oh I see how it is, he takes you climbing and all of a sudden he's your favorite sibling. How can we compete?" Sigrid huffed.
Legolas laughed and Aragorn smiled.
Yay Kili and Tauriel are official! One more pair to go ;)
Hope you enjoyed and review please!