Hello and welcome to a new chapter!

Eruwaedhiel95: I'm sorry it brought you close to tears but I'm glad that you emphasize with Kili so much :) A chance for a little one? … Well, it's we'll see what's written in the stars ;)

CordeliaWho: Sorry I made you stare at a blank wall for so long :D I hope you won't do the same after reading this chapter :D

kblatz: You favourite Kili story? Wow, I'm honoured, thanks so much :D A miracle baby, huh? Well, we'll see how the chances for that stand...

TerraMacMillan: Yeah, it was important for her to confront him. Kili's protective instinct, even though he always has good intentions, can be a little over the top sometimes and he needs to be reminded of it at times :) I'm glad you like them so much and think they're a great couple :D

Thanks to MaxRideandPercyJackson4ever, Mia, TheEarthSong, Borys68, Kuramalover86, Mhunter28 and kaia for your lovely reviews! I loved reading them as always!

Thanks also to the followers and favouriters! Always appreciated!

Now, go ahead and read and let me know of your thoughts when you're done, I'd love to hear from you! :D

"Are you sure you don't want to postpone this visit?" Kili asked as he helped her get onto her pony, a grey stallion with fuzzy hair that went by the name of Wilfred. Tarya shot him a pointed look, causing her husband to raise his hands in a slightly defensive manner. "Don't look at me like that, please. I'm just saying, you've been rather exhausted these last days. Maybe you're getting sick."

"I've been on this earth for over 70 years, Kili, and I've never been sick once," she stated in reply, leaving him to mount his own steed as she stroked Wilfred's neck gently. The pony gave a little content snort in reply. "Well… Except that one time when I ate that sick rabbit, gave me a bit of a sore tummy."

Kili just shook his head with a small smile as Tarya kept stroking Wilfred's mane absentmindedly. She never actually rode unless she had to because even though she had gotten more than used to living on two legs by now, she still didn't feel quite comfortable sitting on the back of another animal. Additionally, most ponies were wary of her when they first saw her, some even now still, for they could sense the wolf in her and it made them nervous. Wilfred was the only one that had never really cared, he had a gentle nature and was a kind animal, making him the perfect companion for a rider like Tarya.

"And I've been looking forward to this far too much to now simply cancel it," the Amarok added to her previous statement as Kili rode up on his pony next to her. Almost four years had passed since the beginning of the rebuilding of Dale and the work was all but finished now, cause for the prince and princess of Erebor to pay the town and its new king a visit. Tarya had been looking forward to visiting Bard and his children for several weeks now, and to see how the people had with the help of the dwarven workers restored Dale's beauty of old.

Kili just smiled gently at her and nodded his understanding before he nudged his pony forward and Tarya quickly followed his example. Dwalin was accompanying them along with two guards by the names of Nòll and Eddar, and they now filed in behind her as Kili led the little group from the mountain's foot onto the road to Dale.

The journey to Dale was one of about 5 hours and because it was summer, Tarya didn't mind the long ride at all. She got slightly uncomfortable on Wilfred's back after a while but the warm light of the summer sun and the mild breeze that filled the air were enough to keep her calm and relaxed. Her senses were at ease here, out in nature, and she conversed pleasantly with Nòll and Eddar while Kili and Dwalin rode a bit further ahead.

"Aye, my wife is with child at the moment," Eddar was saying with his deep rumbling voice as they rode. "Therefore she is not often at the market anymore. Though I'm certain she would appreciate your continued business once she returns to the stalls."

Tarya smiled at the guard, nodding slightly. "I did not know Kallin was pregnant," she said, feeling a slight sting as she uttered the words, though it didn't show on her face. She had grown accustomed to the feeling by now whenever the topic of children came up and wasn't as affected by it anymore as she used to during the time after she had found out that she couldn't have any a few years ago. "Please, give her my congratulations. And, of course, I congratulate you as well."

"I will, your highness," Eddar smiled brightly in return. "Thank you."

Tarya nodded kindly at him, before she turned her head back forward and her eyes widened slightly as she realized that they had almost reached Dale. The town stood out before them in the shadow of the mountain, its roofs shining copper in the midday summer sun. Tarya was amazed by the beauty of the city as they entered through its gates, and her gaze flicked from side to side and upward to see the top of the buildings as she tried to take it all in.

Kili had visited Dale before during the time of its rebuild and he'd told her of the town several times over the years, but in Tarya's mind it had never quite settled. Up until now, the images of Dale that she had in her head had still been those of when she'd come across the city when she'd travelled from the Long Lake to the mountain after Smaug's attack on Laketown. It had consisted of nothing but ruins back then, rubble and ash had acted as a reminder of Smaug's desolation. However, none of the former destruction was visible anymore now and Tarya's eyes were still scanning her surroundings curiously when suddenly, a voice called out from somewhere in front of them.

"Welcome to Dale," a man called and Tarya slightly adjusted her position in her saddle so she could see Bard standing on the stairs of a tall building, smiling brightly as he caught her gaze. "My old friends."

Tarya's smile mirrored his as the small group rode up to him and she quickly dismounted her pony before she walked up to Bard, embracing him in a short hug in her excitement to see him. Bard chuckled quietly, returning the gesture with a few affectionate pats on her back before he released her. His gaze then wandered over the rest of the group that had gathered around her, and he gave them all a friendly nod to greet them, as well.

"It has been too long, my friend," he stated then with a smile and a sigh as he looked back at the Amarok. Tarya returned his gaze warmly as she nodded.

"Indeed," she said. "You must tell me everything. How are you? And your children, are they well?"

"Aye, they're perfectly healthy and happy," Bard answered with a smile, before his gaze flicked to Kili who was standing beside Tarya, one of his hands placed securely on the small of her back. "Speaking of, I'm sure Tilda will be delighted to see you again, Prince Kili."

The brunet dwarf grinned slightly in reply before a chuckle rose from his throat. "The pleasure will be all mine, as always, Bard. She's a delightful girl."

Bard simply smiled in reply before he motioned for them to come into the house. "Come in and have a cup of tea if you wish," he said friendly. "There are some things to discuss, after all, and I'm quite sure that my children would like to give you the tour of the town themselves once they return from the market. Though I'm afraid Bain won't be able to see you, he's gone off to the smithies this morning."

Nòll and Eddar remained with the ponies as Tarya, Dwalin and Kili followed the bowman inside and while Kili sat down at a table with him and began discussing a few of the trading matters with the new King of Dale, Tarya simply sipped her tea, looking around the house with a small smile on her lips. It was very different from the home Bard's family had occupied in Laketown. For starters, this house offered enough space for all of them and it was bright and warm and colourful. On one of the tables stood a small picture frame with an old drawing in it, the picture of a beautiful young woman. Tarya took a step closer and stared at it for a few moments, seeing the resemblances between the woman in the picture and Bard's daughters. Sigrun, the Amarok remembered Bard telling her all these years ago, that had been his wife's name.

"He's made a good home for his family," Dwalin muttered quietly from where he was standing behind her, his gaze wandering around the room, as well. Tarya just hummed her agreement with a small smile.

"Kili!" a voice suddenly rang through the room then as the door swung open with a loud thump and Tarya quickly turned her head to see Tilda entering the house with bouncy steps, her older sister following behind her. They had both grown considerably since Tarya had last seen them and the Amarok smiled silently to herself as she watched Tilda crush Kili in a hug that he returned quickly once he'd overcome the surprise of her sudden assault on him.

"Have you brought me something?" the young girl asked excitedly as she pulled away from the brunet dwarf and Tarya couldn't suppress her quiet laughter as Sigrid quickly scolded her little sister while Kili pretended to look indignant.

"That's all I am to you, eh?" he said with feigned hurt. "The dwarf who brings you presents."

Tilda giggled quietly, shaking her head at him. "Of course not, you're the handsome prince."

Tarya's eyebrows rose as Kili turned his head slightly to catch her eye and shoot her a cocky grin. "Hear that, love? I'm the handsome prince," he smirked with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. Tarya just raised one eyebrow at Kili, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she walked over to stand next to him.

"You're only the handsome prince because Fili is king now and you don't have anyone to compete against anymore," she retorted coolly then, grinning as Kili's hand flew to his chest in pretend shock, eyes wide and mouth hanging open before he directed his gaze to Tilda who was watching the scene in amusement.

"And that from the mouth of my own wife," he said to the girl. "Can you believe it? I sure can't."

"Well," Tilda started slowly, a small frown appearing on her forehead, as she seemed to be deep in thought for a short moment before she looked back at Kili. "King Fili is quite handsome."

"Oh hush, not you, too," the brunet exclaimed before he reached inside the pocket of his vest, pulling out a beautiful doll of dwarven make and holding it out to Tilda. "I shouldn't even be giving you this, but alas, I just can't resist your charms, little one. Even though you find my brother more handsome than me."

"Thank you," Tilda breathed with wide eyes as Kili handed her the doll and Tarya smiled as she watched the two interact together. Kili smiled brightly at the young girl, simply nodding at her as Bard finally told his daughters to go upstairs and change quickly before they'd accompany their guests through town. Sigrid and Tilda quickly did as they were told and it was only a little while later that Tarya was walking through the streets of Dale together with Kili, Dwalin, Sigrid, Tilda and Bard himself.

Tarya let herself be engulfed by the energy of the town; the streets were busy and yet not too crowded. Several stalls adorned the streets to both sides and Tarya was quite happy that they had come on the right day to see the market. The Amarok listened to Tilda as she told them excitedly about the town and what and where and who everything and everyone was, Sigrid or Bard chipping in some additional information every now and then.

They had been walking for quite a while when Tarya felt herself tire slightly, though she didn't let it show as she kept trailing along beside Kili, her arm linked with his as he was talking to Bard while her own gaze wandered around aimlessly. She had been tiring rather quickly these last few weeks, Tarya knew, though she still didn't think that she was getting sick as Kili had suggested. Maybe it was simply because she'd had so much to do recently. Nevertheless, she was quite glad when they stopped for a moment as Tilda moved toward the town walls they had been walking on and without much ado climbed into one of the gaps between battlements.

"Tilda, be careful," Bard uttered as he walked up to her, reaching out to grab the back of her dress in order to steady her. Tarya raised her eyebrows at the girl as Tilda turned to look over her shoulder at them, catching her gaze. She gave the Amarok a bright smile.

"You can see Erebor from here," she explained and Tarya slowly took a few steps closer as Tilda motioned her, though she suddenly stopped in her tracks, as her sight grew slightly blurry. "And the River Running coming down from the mountain. I wish I could see how the mountain looks like from the inside."

"You're cordially invited to visit whenever you wish," Kili answered the girl with a smile as Tarya just nodded silently in agreement, moving to lean her back against the wall as she took a few deep breaths, trying to fight the dizziness that was overcoming her all of a sudden. It was only a moment before Kili's face appeared in her field of vision, brows drawn together in concern as he looked at her.

"Tarya? Are you all right?"

The Amarok nodded again, slowly this time as her light-headedness began to subside slightly and she could see the dwarf's face more clearly again. She waved her hand dismissively, straightening up and pushing herself slowly from the wall behind her. "I'm fine," she answered with a small smile. "Just a little drowsy is all. Nothing a cold cup of water couldn't fix."

Kili didn't look convinced and it showed quite clearly by the way his hand came to rest on her back again as she took a few steps from the wall, his gaze resting on her heavily for a moment before he looked at Bard who had observed the scene silently, though with a small concerned frown on his face.

"I think it would be better to take her back," Kili said, ignoring the look Tarya gave him. Bard simply nodded and motioned for his daughters to go ahead. Tarya felt Kili's hand put light pressure on her back then to get her moving and she did so only reluctantly. For a moment, she thought everything was fine again before she suddenly felt her breath hitch in her throat as the dizziness came rushing back and she felt her knees buckle before she'd even made six steps.

"Tarya?" Kili uttered worriedly next to her and the Amarok looked at him for a moment, his face already blurring in front of her eyes as she opened her mouth to speak.

"I… I feel rather faint," was all she managed to mutter before her legs suddenly gave in beneath her and her sight went dark.

Kili was pacing nervously in front of the small bed in Bard's house, his gaze flicking back to the black-haired woman on the mattress every now and again. He'd barely had enough time to catch her when she fainted, gathering her in his arms before her body hit the floor. They'd taken her back to Bard's home immediately and he had carried her himself the whole way, reluctant to let her go even when they had reached the house.

Now she laid on Sigrid's bed while the young woman dapped a wet cloth against her forehead to try and wake her without much success. Tarya hadn't woken for over an hour now and Kili was getting more and more worried. If they had been in the mountain, he would have called for Oìn straight away but the healer wasn't here and Kili didn't want to ride back all the way to Erebor with her in this condition.

"Has this happened before?" Dwalin asked from where he was leaning against a dresser, looking from Tarya to Kili as the young dwarf kept pacing. Kili shook his head, finally coming to a halt next to the large warrior.

"No," he said. "I mean, she seemed more tired than usual for the past couple of weeks but I simply thought it was because she might have caught a cold or something, or just because she had so much to do lately and little time to truly relax."

Dwalin nodded slowly, his gaze trained on the unconscious Amarok in their midst. "She'll be fine, lad. Probably just exhaustion," he answered then. "It's true, she didn't drink much today and the sun was beating down on us the whole day. Might have been the reason."

Kili said nothing and simply looked at his wife when she suddenly made a little noise and her face twisted into a small frown. The brunet prince was at the bed faster than Dwalin could blink, leaning over it as Tarya's eyes opened slowly. Kili watched as her eyes darted around for a moment before her gaze focused and she seemed to realize where she was. She tried to sit up but Kili pushed her back onto the mattress before she had the chance.

"What happened?" she asked, a confused frown marring her expression as she looked up at him questioningly. Kili just raised his eyebrows at her pointedly.

"You fainted," he stated as Sigrid handed Tarya a cup of water that she took gratefully, taking a few careful sips before handing it back to the young woman.

"How are you feeling?" Sigrid asked softly and Tarya tried to sit up again, lightly swatting Kili's hands away as he tried to stop her. He frowned at her but let her proceed as she returned Sigrid's gaze.

"A little nauseous," she admitted and took the cup as Sigrid handed it to her once more.

"Drink," Bard's daughter said with a friendly smile. "It'll help."

Kili watched the Amarok in silent concern as she followed Sigrid's advice and drank the cold water before she cradled the cup in her lap and nodded slowly. "That's better," and with a smile toward Sigrid she added, "Thank you."

"I think it would be best to leave her to rest for a moment," Dwalin spoke up then, coming up to the bed and placing a hand on Kili's shoulder as he straightened himself. "In the meantime, we can ready the ponies and fill the water skins so that there is enough to drink for the journey home."

"We're leaving already?" Tarya asked, sounding slightly disappointed, though Kili chose to ignore it as he answered her sternly.

"I'd feel much calmer if we could see Oìn about this sooner rather than later," he said, giving her a small smile even though he wasn't really feeling like it at the moment. "You said it yourself, you rarely get sick and you've never simply fainted like this before. So, we make for the mountain as soon as the ponies are ready."

Tarya just nodded in return, not saying anything as Kili shortly leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead before he walked out of the room, leaving Tarya in the capable hands of Sigrid. The ponies were saddled and ready for the journey quickly with the help of Nòll and Eddar and it was only a little while later that the dwarves waved their goodbyes to Bard and his children before they set out on the road back home. Kili was riding with Tarya seated in front of him since he didn't want to risk her fainting once more and falling off her mount if she were to ride on her own. Wilfred had been tied to Dwalin's steed and was following the group willingly, easily keeping up with their fast pace.

They reached the mountain after a few hours ride in which Tarya had fallen asleep with her head leaning against Kili's shoulder and the evening had given way to night. He tried not to wake her as Dwalin helped him lift her from the pony and she only muttered something incoherent as the young prince lifted her onto his arms, carrying her into the mountain. A small frown was etched onto his face as he laid next to her in bed that night, his thoughts only letting him drift to sleep when it was almost the next morning already.

Oìn found time to see Tarya late the next day and he greeted Kili friendly as the dwarf opened the door to him, moving aside so the healer could enter their chambers.

"How is she doing, lad?" Oìn asked as he followed Kili into the living room, frowning slightly as the young dwarf sighed in reply.

"I can't tell. She's slept away almost the whole day," he answered quietly. "She's awake now, though. Fili's with her, keeping her some company."

Oìn just nodded and motioned for Kili to lead the way, trailing along behind him as the brunet walked over and entered the bedchamber with a small knock. However, Fili and Tarya didn't notice them entering right away and Kili stood with Oìn by the doorframe for a moment, following the scene that unfolded before his eyes with an amused smile.

"I'm the king, Tarya, I don't play such silly games."

"Oh, please, Fili. I'm bored and you're supposed to keep me company."

"Aye. I am. We're having a conversation, aren't we?"

"Oh, come on," Tarya huffed. "You win, I'll distract Master Gabron the next three times he mentions marriage or one of Dain's female relatives to you."

"I've managed to keep this topic at bay for almost three years now, I don't think I need your help."

"Are you sure? Rumour has it that two of Dain's nieces would love to visit Erebor in the spring..."

Fili hesitated. "What if you win?"

"Then you'll give me your dessert for the next five suppers."

There was a short silence between them before Fili put up his hands, a closed fist on an outstretched palm. "Deal," he said and Tarya grinned, quickly putting her hands in the same position as his. They were about to start their game when Oìn cleared his throat loudly from where he was standing next to Kili and the two of them flinched in surprise, quickly dropping their hands as they looked sheepishly at the healer and the brunet prince.

"I see you're healthy enough to make deals for yourself," Oìn commented as he walked over to where she was sitting up on the bed, the Amarok giving him a small smile as she greeted him. "It can't be that bad then."

"I'm actually feeling rather well at the moment, Oìn," she answered, pulling slightly at the blanket that covered her legs. Kili walked over to the bed, coming to stand next to his brother.

"After you've slept away the whole day, one might add," he uttered, raising his eyebrows as she shot him a slightly frustrated look. Oìn just ignored what he'd said and seated himself on the edge of the bed heavily, pulling lightly on his long beard as he looked at the Amarok.

"Kili tells me you've been feeling rather exhausted as of late. Even more so now after you've fainted yesterday," he said and Tarya just nodded with a small shrug. "How long exactly has this been going on?"

"Well, a few weeks now I'd say," Tarya answered quietly, a small frown appearing on her forehead as Oìn nodded.

"And when you fainted yesterday, had you eaten anything that day?"

"I had breakfast as usual and we stopped for a little midday snack on the way to Dale," she answered the healer and as Oìn nodded with a thoughtful expression on his face, Kili leaned his hip against the chair Fili was sitting on, both of them following the conversation silently.

"Was there anything else, lassie? In addition to the dizziness and fainting?" the healer inquired and Tarya shook her head at him. Oìn gave a thoughtful nod.

"Well, it might simply be low blood pressure, dear, I can give you some herbs for your tea that should help," he said at the same time that a small frown came to play on Kili's face as he thought back to the moment Tarya had been lying on the bed in Bard's house the day before.

"Nausea," he muttered, making all three of the other people in the room look at him questioningly. He looked at Oìn for a moment before his gaze drifted to Tarya, clearing his throat slightly. "When you regained consciousness. You said you were feeling nauseous."

"Is that true?" Oìn asked and after a little moment Tarya nodded, as she seemed to remember it. The healer made a strange noise then, a low and thoughtful harrumph escaped from his mouth as he narrowed his eyes at the Amarok. Kili watched him with a confused frown. "I'd like to take a small look at your stomach if I may, lassie."

Tarya looked a bit taken aback by the request but she shrugged her agreement nonetheless, shuffling slightly so she was lying on her back. Oìn's gaze wandered from her to the two young dwarfs that were still positioned next to the bed as Tarya lifted her tunic up to expose her stomach to the healer.

"Would you mind giving the lass some privacy here?"

"I'm her husband," Kili defended.

"I've seen worse," Fili said, earning himself a smack on the forearm, which was the only part of him Tarya could reach from her position.

"Very charming," she grumbled as he grinned at her and Oìn just shook his head at the three of them before he started prodding her belly gently with the tips of his fingers. Kili watched, his brows furrowed as he tried to see the same things Oìn did without any suggest as the healer moved his hands along Tarya's skin, inspecting her stomach, her lower abdomen, her sides. There was an awkward silence in the room as Oìn proceeded with his examination until he eventually pulled back, folding his hands in his lap and nodding for the Amarok to pull the hem of her tunic back down. The silence stretched as Oìn didn't say a word for several long moments, causing Tarya to exchange a confused glance with both Kili and Fili before finally, the old healer cleared his throat loudly.

"Well?" Kili uttered into the silence, as Oìn still didn't say anything, making the old dwarf purse his lips slightly as he looked at Tarya's now covered stomach.

"Well," the healer drawled, his gaze slowly wandering up to meet Kili's eyes. The brunet dwarf raised his eyebrows at him. "There's nothing wrong with her."

Kili frowned upon the healer's words, exchanging a small glance with Tarya who looked equally confused as he felt. "So, there's no reason?" Kili asked incredulously. "No cause for her fainting, the dizziness? Nothing you can do to help her?"

"Oh no, lad, there is most definitely a cause for all her symptoms," Oìn replied with a small grin that made Kili's eyebrows rise even further towards his hairline. He waited for the healer to continue but Oìn remained silent, simply smiling quietly to himself. Kili spluttered incoherently for a second, infuriated by the healer's unusual uselessness. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, turning his head to shoot an incredulous glance toward his brother in the hopes that Fili would know how to react. But as he looked at his big brother, he saw Fili's eyes wide and his mouth hanging open as he stared at Oìn in turn. Now, Kili was completely confused.

"Is there something I'm missing?" he asked at the same time that Fili smacked his hand painfully into his side, jumping out of his chair as Kili rubbed the sore spot where his brother had hit him. "Ow! What the hell did you do that for?!"

"Don't you get it?" Fili asked, his voice loud with excitement as he stared at his little brother with wide expectant eyes. Kili just frowned at him and Fili turned to Tarya. "Do you get it?"

When neither of them gave the reaction he was very obviously hoping for, Fili let out a frustrated groan before he gestured from Tarya, to her belly, to Kili and back. "She's pregnant!" he called out and for a moment, Kili was about to deny his brother's statement, knowing that any hope for such a thing was foolish. That was when his gaze suddenly fell on Oìn who was smiling serenely, nodding vigorously as he met Kili's gaze. The brunet's mouth dropped open and his eyes flicked to Tarya whose eyes were wide with shock.

"What?" she whispered then, voice soft and filled with cautious hope that this wasn't all just a cruel little joke. Kili wasn't sure whether Oìn had heard her but the healer turned to the Amarok with a big smile, laughing at her wide-eyed expression as he patted her leg affectionately.

"But you said… you said it was impossible," Kili stuttered helplessly, unable to formulate any of his thoughts coherently. Oìn shot him a short look, tilting his head slightly.

"I said improbable, lad. There's a difference," he said, giving him a smile before he turned back to Tarya. "You're with child, lassie."

It was then that Kili suddenly felt a deep breath leaving his throat as a disbelieving smile came to play on his face. He couldn't quite comprehend all the feelings that were soaring up inside him, hadn't quite grasped the reality of the situation yet when Fili crushed him in a fierce hug, squeezing him almost too tightly to breathe properly before he released him, swooping down and knocking his forehead against Tarya's. By the small pained noise she made, Kili gathered that it might have been a bit harder than he'd intended but she didn't seem to mind much as Fili bounced back and quickly made for the door while Tarya slightly rubbed her forehead.

"What… Fee, where are you going?" Kili called after him.

"I'm going to tell!" Fili called back as he rushed through the doorframe and into the living room.

"Whom?"

"Everybody!" He heard Fili yell with an excited laugh before they all heard the door to their chambers fall closed with a thump.

"I'd better go after him," Oìn muttered, not waiting for either of them to answer before he stood and left the room, though he did turn back on the threshold for a moment, adding with a broad smile, "Congratulations!"

As the door to their chambers fell closed once more, silence stretched between Kili and Tarya as they both looked at each other, equally astounded expressions on their faces. The brunet cautiously came closer, seating himself on the small space on the bed next to her. Tarya shuffled over slightly to give him more room and once they were both seated with their backs against the headboard, his legs atop the blanket and hers beneath it, Kili spoke quietly.

"A baby," he murmured, a warm smile tugging on his lips as he turned his head to look at Tarya, only to see her staring at her own hand that covered her lower belly protectively.

"A baby," she repeated softly, her voice not more than a whisper but it was so full of wonder and joy that Kili felt his heart well up with emotion. He leaned down and rested his head against her shoulder, gazing down at her belly as he put his own hand over her small one.

Their baby, the words echoed in Kili's mind as he felt Tarya intertwine her fingers with his lightly.